New gas exploration project in Welkom, Virginia, Hennenman and Odendaalsrus
In 2024, Motuoane Energy (Pty) Ltd (Motuoane) applied for an Exploration Right (ER) to the Petroleum Agency South Africa (PASA) to look for gas fields in the Free State. PASA has accepted this application but has not yet approved it. The number allocated to this Exploration Right application isER386. This right covers various farms near Welkom, Virginia, Hennenman and Odendaalsrus, an area of 58000 hectares.
Environmental Impact Management Services (EIMS), the Environmental Assessment Practitioner (EAP) for the project, has compiled a draft Scoping Report, which is available for public comment. After the public participation process is complete, a final Scoping Report will be submitted to the Department of Mineral Resources for Environmental Authorisation.
Comments are due on 18 June 2025. This community guide was created as an information pamphlet for affected communities.
