Tunisia has seen a fierce debate in recent months over plans for shale gas exploration. Tunisia sits on the Ghadames Basin, one of the two major potential sources of shale gas in North Africa. The Ghadames Basin stretches from eastern Algeria through southern Tunisia to northwestern Libya[1]. As noted by the Tunisian Association for Transparency in Energy and Mines (ATTEM), no official document has been published on this subject except for a September news story about four wells to be drilled in 2013 in Sfax, Sousse, El Jem and Kairouan[2]. On the back of this news the international trade union, Public Services International (PSI), announced that they are coordinating a national campaign in Tunisia against the extraction of shale gas due to the pressure it puts on the scarce water resources, as well as the pollution it creates. The Tunisian General Labour Union (UGTT) is working with PSI aiming to block the reported extraction deal between the Tunisian government and Shell. The UGTT have printed flyers and stickers, and have travelled to rural areas to discuss with community members, activists and leaders[3]. An anti-fracking protest took place in Tunis, outside the Tunisian Ministry of Industry and Energy in early November, and drew around 50 participants[1]. ATTEM asked the government for clarification on the issue, especially with regards the legal framework for non-conventional hydrocarbons and a plan to protect the environment. It also has concerns about corruption in the oil and gas sector and wants to see a full audit of the industry[2]. For its part, the Tunisian government says it is still considering a request for an exploration permit submitted by Shell. Indications are, however, that fracking has already been taking place at some level by other companies. In a 2011 report, the US Energy Information Administration reports that Tunisia had the first shale gas well and frack in North Africa in March 2010 and is actively supporting the pursuit of this resource[4].

There is little information available in terms of exact project details. According to a 2011 analysis and projections report from the United States Energy Information Administration, Tunisia has 18 trillion cubic feet of technically recoverable shale gas reserves, a relatively small number compared to neighbouring Libya, which has 290 trillion cubic feet[4]. In September 2011, it was reported that Royal Dutch Shell had won a $150 million oil exploration deal in Tunisia and this has been linked with interest in the countrys shale gas reserves. Tunisias Industry Ministry were pushed to respond to reports that they were preparing to grant an unconventional license to Shell in the Kairouan region of the country. Denying the completed agreement, the Ministry announced they had responded with an appeal for an environmental and water impact analysis[5].