South Africa Upholds Exploration Approval for TotalEnergies' Offshore Block

South Africa's environment minister has dismissed a challenge lodged by conservationists against an environmental authorization 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 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.