RULES on fracking are to be tightened to help "protect our environment", Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon has said.
Exploration for gas and oil, including via fracking, can currently go ahead under `permitted development rights'.
This meant that planning permission was only needed if firms wanted to move to commercial extraction.
Ms Mallon has said she plans to extend the planning permission requirement to cover exploration.
The minister also announced several other changes to planning rules.
Upgrades on mobile phone masts and antennas, shopkeepers extending property and loading bays and recharging infrastructure for electric vehicles will now be allowed without planning permission.
"I am committed to ensuring that my department plays its role in supporting the Northern Ireland economy as well as reducing carbon emissions and promoting the use of renewable energy," Ms Mallon said.
"Permitted development rights benefit businesses of all sizes, reducing costs and saving time. Extending permitted development rights further will promote growth, allowing businesses to meet their aspirations for improvement and expansion.
"However it is also vital that we do all that we can to protect our environment, that is why with today's package of measures, I want to make clear that I will also be removing permitted development rights for oil and gas exploration. This is an important step and I believe the right one for our environment."
