The decision, dated October 13 and seen by Reuters, marks the latest development in a prolonged dispute over oil and gas exploration in South Africa, where environmental concerns and legal challenges have repeatedly delayed projects.
The appeals were filed by 47 individuals and environmental organisations, including Greenpeace Africa, against a 2024 environmental authorisation granted by the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources. The approval allows up to five exploration wells to be drilled in offshore Block 3B/4B.
The authorisation was initially granted to Africa Oil SA Corp, Ricocure (Pty) Limited and Azinam Ltd, before TotalEnergies and QatarEnergy subsequently acquired participating interests in the block.
Although Maynier dismissed all the appeals, he imposed conditions relating to arguments concerning the assessment of food security and the livelihoods of coastal communities. These issues have featured prominently in opposition to offshore exploration, particularly over concerns about the potential effects of drilling activities on marine ecosystems and communities that depend on the ocean for their livelihoods.
Under South African law, parties dissatisfied with the minister’s decision can approach a court to seek a judicial review, leaving open the possibility of further legal proceedings.
TotalEnergies welcomed the decision, saying it would work with the relevant authorities to ensure compliance with the applicable requirements, including measures for environmental monitoring and marine protection.
However, environmental campaigners criticised the outcome, arguing that the decision failed to adequately address the risks associated with offshore exploration.
Greenpeace Africa described the dismissal of the appeals as a “critical failure” of environmental governance and a direct threat to South Africa’s West Coast.
The organisation also highlighted the significance of the Orange Basin, an area considered highly prospective for oil and gas resources, where exploration has attracted growing interest from energy companies.
The dispute underscores the continuing tension between South Africa’s efforts to develop its offshore petroleum resources and calls by environmental groups for stronger safeguards to protect marine habitats, coastal livelihoods and food security.
While the minister’s decision removes one obstacle to exploration in Block 3B/4B, the possibility of judicial review means the project could still face further legal challenges.