Mineral Resources Minister Susan Shabangu will on Tuesday release the summary and recommendations of the report into hydraulic fracturing in the Karoo.

Ms Shabangu set up a task team 14 months ago to investigate the controversial gas extraction method, also known as fracking, for its possible effects on the ecologically sensitive Karoo. The Cabinet had imposed a moratorium on exploration in the region, which was lifted last week.

Department of Mineral Resources communications director Zingaphi Jakuja said on Monday that the full report could not be released as it required " professional editing".

The fracking process involves drilling wells 1.3km-5km deep, then pumping fresh water mixed with chemicals into rock sediment under high pressure.

This forces the shale gas to the surface.

Three companies are applying for exploration over an area of 250,000km² — Shell SA, Bundu Oil & Gas and Falcon Oil & Gas.

Petrochemicals group Sasol, which has shale gas assets in North America, said it would consider shale gas opportunities in the Karoo if it could be extracted in an "environmentally friendly fashion".

Sasol CEO David Constable said the company had fully supported the moratorium, which allowed the government to evaluate the best practices.

"We are keen to not only view the findings, but also the potential of producing large quantities of shale gas in an environmentally friendly fashion in South Africa," he said.

Article continues on page two: Treasure the Karoo Action Group questions the existence of the task team's report...