South Africa dismisses appeals against TotalEnergies offshore exploration

South Africa’s Environment Minister, David Maynier, has dismissed appeals from 47 individuals and environmental organizations challenging the environmental authorization for offshore oil and gas exploration. The project, located in Block 3B/4B within the Orange Basin off the country’s West Coast, is operated by TotalEnergies.

The appeals, which included opposition from groups such as Greenpeace Africa, contested an authorization originally granted in 2024. The project allows for the drilling of up to five exploration wells in an area with significant energy potential. While dismissing the appeals, Minister Maynier introduced new conditions to address concerns regarding coastal livelihoods and food security.

TotalEnergies and QatarEnergy hold participating interests in the project. Although the regulatory hurdle has been cleared, affected parties retain the legal right to seek a judicial review of the minister’s decision.