South Africa dismisses appeals against exploration in TotalEnergies Block 3B/4B
TTE•South Africa’s environment minister dismissed appeals challenging environmental authorisation for exploration in the TotalEnergies-operated Block 3B/4B off the country’s west coast, while imposing conditions related to food security and coastal livelihoods.
1. Appeals dismissed
Environment Minister David Maynier dismissed appeals from 47 individuals and environmental organisations against authorisation for up to five exploration wells in Block 3B/4B. The authorisation was granted to Africa Oil SA Corp, Ricocure and Azinam; TotalEnergies and Qatar Energy later took participating stakes.
2. Conditions and next steps
Maynier imposed conditions on the appeal grounds concerning assessments of food security and coastal communities’ livelihoods. Under South African law, parties unhappy with the decision can apply to a court for judicial review. Greenpeace Africa called the decision a “critical failure” of environmental governance and a direct threat to South Africa’s West Coast.
