Johannesburg, Oct 11 (IANS): South Africa will go ahead with its controversial exploration of shale gas deposits in a bid to improve the country's energy mix, Xinhua reported.

By embarking on this process of exploring the opportunities presented by hydraulic fracturing for the production of shale gas, the country was a step closer to the achievement of the developmental objectives and targets set out in the National Development Plan (NDP), reported Xinhua citing Mineral Resources Minister Susan Shabangu.

She was speaking to reporters after a cabinet meeting Thursday.

"We have a responsibility as government to ensure security of energy supply for the country, and to explore energy sources that will improve the country's energy mix, grow the economy and contribute to job creation," Shabangu said.

She said the cabinet has approved the gazetting of Technical Regulations on Petroleum Exploration and Exploitation.

These regulations prescribe good international petroleum industry practices and standards so as to enhance safe exploration and production of all petroleum - including, but not limited to, shale gas, said Shabangu.

She said such regulations would further ensure that petroleum exploration was conducted in a socially and environmentally balanced manner.