High Court blocks TotalEnergies offshore drilling off SA coast

CAPE TOWN

The Western Cape High Court has refused environmental authorisation for offshore oil drilling led by French company TotalEnergies off South Africa’s west coast.

On Wednesday, the court ruled that the environment ministry’s 2023 approval for exploratory drilling in a 10,000km² area near Cape Town had been “reviewed and set aside.” (Court judgment)

Environmental lobby groups said the project would harm marine life. (Environmental groups)

TotalEnergies stated to AFP it had “complied with all local environmental and social regulations from the outset” and would assess the judgment. The company added it remains “fully committed to respecting the judicial process to its term” despite earlier announcing its exit. (Company statement)

Judge Nobahle Mangcu-Lockwood ruled TotalEnergies could reapply after public consultation. (Court ruling)

Green Connection, which legally challenged the project, called it a “major victory” for coastal communities and fishers. (Environmental group)

The group said: “Oil spill and blowout contingency plans were kept from the public until after approval, denying communities a chance to comment.” (Green Connection statement)

Oil exploration interest has surged along South Africa’s coast following discoveries in Namibia and Mozambique. (Industry context)

Legal group Natural Justice stated the judgment affirmed companies must follow due process for exploration approvals. (Natural Justice)