By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
TotalEnergies has been given the go-ahead to conduct exploratory drilling off the southwest coast after Forestry, Fisheries and Environment Minister Barbara Creecy dismissed an appeal from 18 applicants.
As the appeal authority, Creecy dismissed all the appeals, giving credence to the initial decision by the DMRE that had taken all requirements into consideration.
TotalEnergies plans to drill in an area spanning 10 000km2 – between Cape Town and Cape Agulhas. It is 60km from the coast at its closest point and 170km from the coast at its furthest. The project would take about 10 months.
The appellants, which include eco-justice groups The Green Connection and Natural Justice, had raised concerns about climate change and air emissions, the possibility of spills and noise pollution impacting marine life, the negative impact of the activities on cultural heritage and socio-economic implications for tourism and fisheries.
They also raised concerns about the inadequacy of the public participation process, among other things.
In total, the minister considered 11 grounds of appeal, which were all dismissed.
“South Africa is richly endowed with natural resources including oil and gas that have been proven to be game changers elsewhere in the world. The DMRE believes that these resources must be explored, in accordance with the prevailing environmental framework that ensures that licensing is done with the utmost environmental care founded on Section 24 of our Constitution,” DMRE said.
The Petroleum Agency of South Africa (PASA) estimates that South Africa holds 27 billion barrels and 60 trillion cubic feet (tcf) of prospective oil and gas resources on the south, east, and west coasts.
“These resources present a great opportunity for investment and to bolster the country in its quest to address energy security that will bring about the much needed economic growth and development.
“We are confident that TotalEnergies will proceed with the proposed exploration activities in line with the conditions of the license,” the department said.
Appellants could potentially resort to the courts to review Creecy’s decisions but must do so within 180 days.
In a statement issued on Tuesday afternoon, the Green Connection and Natural Justice said their legal team is currently studying the appeal decision to determine a way forward.