South Africa dismisses appeals against exploration in TotalEnergies Block 3B/4B

TotalEnergies SE

15/10/2026 14:18

CAPE TOWN, Oct 15 (Reuters) - South Africa's environment minister has dismissed a challenge lodged by conservationists against an environmental authorisation allowing exploration in the TotalEnergies'-operated Block 3B/4B off the country's west coast.
The decision by Environmental Affairs Minister, David Maynier, dated October 13 and seen by Reuters, is the latest in a series of appeals and court actions that has stymied oil and gas exploration in Africa's largest economy
Some 47 individuals and environmental organisations, including Greenpeace Africa, appealed to overturn a 2024 decision by the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources allowing up to five exploration wells to be drilled in the block
The environmental authorisation was granted to Africa Oil SA Corp, Ricocure (Pty) Limited and Azinam Ltd, with TotalEnergies TTEF.PA and Qatar Energy later taking up participating stakes
Maynier dismissed all the appeals but imposed some conditions on the ninth grounds of appeal that dealt with assessments of food security and livelihoods of coastal communities
Under South African law, any party unhappy with his decision can apply to a court to have the decision judicially reviewed
TotalEnergies did not immediately respond to requests for comment
Greenpeace Africa said the minister's decision to dismiss the appeals was a "critical failure" of environmental governance and a direct threat to South Africa's West Coast where the highly prospective Orange Basin is found        

 (Reporting by Wendell Roelf; Editing by Susan Fenton)
 ((wendell.roelf@thomsonreuters.com; +27 21 461 3523;))