South Africa’s environment minister has dismissed appeals from environmental groups, upholding TotalEnergies’ environmental authorization to explore offshore Block 3B/4B on the country’s west coast. The authorization allows the company to drill up to five exploration wells in the highly prospective area of the Orange Basin.
The decision is a setback for conservationists, including Greenpeace Africa, which has opposed the project through appeals and court actions. The groups cite potential threats to the marine environment and coastal livelihoods.
TotalEnergies welcomed the ruling and said it remains committed to complying with environmental regulations and marine protection measures as it advances its exploration program.