By Nasreen Seria – Jan 31, 2011 7:05 AM GMT
Cie. Financiere Richemont SA Chairman Johann Rupert is opposed to a plan by Royal Dutch Shell Plc to explore for gas in South Africas Karoo region until further environmental studies are conducted, the Star reported, citing Rupert.
Shell must do further tests on the possible impact of its exploration on the water systems, geology and environment, Rupert told a public meeting in the Karoo town of Graaff-Reinet on Jan. 28, the Johannesburg-based newspaper said. Rupert, who owns farms in the area, said Shell could risk “ecological damage” that could be worse than BP Plcs oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, the Star reported.