South Africa Minister Dismisses Appeals Against TotalEnergies Orange Basin Exploration
Maynier’s decision, dated October 13 and seen by Reuters, is the latest in a series of appeals and court actions that have stymied oil and gas exploration in Africa’s largest economy.
About 47 individuals and environmental organisations, including Greenpeace Africa, appealed to overturn a 2024 decision by the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources that allowed 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 QatarEnergy later taking up participating stakes.
#AEW2025: Breaking the fossil fuel impasse in South Africa's Orange Basin
Maroefah Smith 1 Oct 2025Maynier dismissed all appeals but imposed conditions on the grounds of appeal relating to food security assessments and the livelihoods of coastal communities.
Under South African law, any party unhappy with his decision can apply to a court for judicial review.
TotalEnergies welcomed the decision and said it will work with authorities to ensure compliance, including on environmental monitoring and marine protection.
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.