17-12-09 Shell has announced that it has been awarded a Technical Cooperation Permit for a one-year study to determine the hydrocarbon potential in parts of the Karoo Basin in central South Africa.
The Anglo-Dutch supermajor said that the award was made by South African Petroleum Authorities and that the permit covers an area of approximately 185,000 sq km.

"The study will provide a better understanding of the area's geology and shale gas potential, establishing the scope to pursue natural gas exploration. Shell will have the exclusive right to apply for exploration permits following completion of the study," the company said.
"This onshore study and the recent award of offshore exploration acreage in the Orange Basin area together reinforce Shell's interest in exploring for oil and gas in South Africa," Ceri Powell, executive vice president International Exploration at Shell said.