Rhino Oil and Gas – EIA for Exploration Right (ER) (ER reference: 377)

Rhino Oil and Gas Exploration South Africa (ROGESA) has lodged an application for an Exploration Right (ER) to explore for natural gas in the northern Free State Province, South Africa. The ER application has been submitted to the Petroleum Agency of South Africa (PASA) on behalf of the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) in terms of Section 79 of the Minerals and Petroleum Resources Development Act, 2002 (No. 28 of 2002) (MPRDA).
The ER extends across an area of ~150 000 hectares and includes ~ 870 properties. A locality plan and list of farms is available for download from SLR (see details below). ROGESA’s primary objective is to gather an enhanced dataset to inform future exploration activities. Proposed works includes an aeromagnetic survey and drilling a minimum of two (2) exploration wells in the ER area to confirm presence of gas.
Notice is given of the intention to apply for an Environmental Authorisation and undertake a public participation process in terms of the National Environmental Management Act, 1998 (No. 107 of 1998) (NEMA) and Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Regulations, 2014 (GN.R 982 of 2014). In terms of the EIA Regulations 2014, the proposed project requires Environmental Authorisation as it triggers Activity 18 of EIA Regulation Listing Notice 2 of 2014, and is subject to a Scoping and EIA process.
SLR Consulting (South Africa) (Pty) Ltd has been appointed as the independent environmental assessment practitioner responsible for undertaking the required environmental assessment and conducting the public participation process. The application will be subject to a scoping and environmental impact assessment process as stipulated in the EIA Regulations, 2014 made under Section 24(5) of the NEMA.

Status

SLR has compiled a Draft EIA Report, which is currently available for a 30-day review and comment period from 4 February – 6 March 2025. This provides an opportunity for I&APs to comment on any aspect of the proposed project and the potential impacts and findings as presented in the EIA Report.

Copies of the full Draft EIA Report and Non-technical Summary is available at the following locations from 4 February 2025:

1. SLR Website: https://www.slrconsulting.com/public-documents/rhino-oil-and-gas-eia-for-exploration-right-er-er-reference-377/
2. Data free website: https://slrpublicdocs.datafree.co/public-documents/rhino-oil-and-gas-eia-for-exploration-right-er-er-reference-377/, which is accessible from an internet-capable mobile phone WITHOUT data charges.
3. Various public venues presented below:

Kroonstad: Maokeng (Kroonstad) Public Library - ERF5580 Hill St, Central, Kroonstad (https://maps.app.goo.gl/JTym6okComj5YeEc8); and

Edenville: Edenville Public Library - Ngwathe Location, next to community hall and stadium (https://maps.app.goo.gl/DaVCzK89fG6my5rA7).

The Non-technical Summary will be available in English, Afrikaans and seSotho.

We cordially invite all stakeholders to attend the public open days listed below:

• Kroonstad

Venue: Kroonstad Golf Club

Date: 12 February 2025

Time: 14:00-18:00

• Edenville

Venue: Edenville Farmers Club

Date: 13 February 2025

Time: 14:00-18:00

More details on the abovementioned can be found on the notification letters.