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South Africa’s top court blocks Shell-led Wild Coast exploration

The ruling overturned a 2024 Supreme Court of Appeal decision that had allowed Shell and Impact Africa to proceed with seismic surveys under a 2014 exploration right.

Reported · Written up by our desk · Energy

South Africa’s Constitutional Court has blocked Shell-led offshore exploration along the Wild Coast, dealing another legal setback to an offshore sector that has struggled to keep pace with neighboring Namibia, according to OilPrice.

The court overturned a 2024 Supreme Court of Appeal ruling that had preserved a pathway for Shell and Impact Africa to conduct seismic surveys off South Africa’s east coast under an exploration right granted in 2014.

Local communities and environmental groups had challenged the plans, arguing consultation was inadequate, the outlet reported. Justice Jody Kollapen said the Supreme Court of Appeal order was set aside.

Shell said it remains committed to responsible offshore exploration, stakeholder engagement, and environmental stewardship. OilPrice also noted Shell received environmental authorization last year to drill as many as five ultra-deepwater exploration wells in the Northern Cape Ultra Deep Block off South Africa’s west coast, part of the Orange Basin that extends north into Namibia.

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