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

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