Oct 15 (Reuters) – South Africa’s environment minister has dismissed a challenge lodged by conservationists against an environmental authorisation to allow exploration in TotalEnergies-operated Block 3B/4B off the country’s West Coast.
- The decision by Environmental Affairs Minister David Maynier, dated October 13 and seen by Reuters, is the latest in a series of appeals and court actions that have stymied oil and gas exploration in Africa’s largest economy.
- Some 47 individuals and environmental organisations, including Greenpeace Africa, appealed to overturn a 2024 decision by the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources allowing up to five exploration wells to be drilled in the block.
- The environmental authorisation was granted to Africa Oil SA Corp, Ricocure (Pty) Limited and Azinam Ltd, with TotalEnergies and QatarEnergy later taking up participating stakes.
- Maynier dismissed all the appeals but imposed some conditions on the grounds of appeal dealing with assessments of food security and livelihoods of coastal communities.
- Under South African law, any party unhappy with his decision can apply to a court to have the decision judicially reviewed.
- TotalEnergies welcomed the decision and said it will work with authorities to ensure compliance, including on environmental monitoring and marine protection.
- Greenpeace Africa said the minister’s decision to dismiss the appeals was a “critical failure” of environmental governance and a direct threat to South Africa’s West Coast, where the highly prospective Orange Basin is found.
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