South Africa dismisses appeals against exploration in TotalEnergies Block 3B/4B
TTE•South Africa’s environment minister dismissed appeals against an environmental authorisation for exploration in TotalEnergies-operated Block 3B/4B off the West Coast. The authorisation allows up to five exploration wells; the minister added conditions related to food security and coastal livelihoods.
1. Appeals dismissed
Environment Minister David Maynier dismissed appeals by 47 individuals and environmental organisations, including Greenpeace Africa, against the authorisation. It allows up to five exploration wells in Block 3B/4B, following a 2024 decision by the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources.
2. Conditions and response
Maynier imposed conditions on grounds of appeal concerning assessments of food security and coastal community livelihoods. TotalEnergies welcomed the decision and said it would work with authorities on compliance, including environmental monitoring and marine protection. Parties unhappy with the decision can seek judicial review.
3. Greenpeace criticism
Greenpeace Africa called the decision a “critical failure” of environmental governance and a direct threat to the West Coast, where the Orange Basin is located.
