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 to allow ​exploration in 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 ​have 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 QatarEnergy later taking up participating ​stakes. • Maynier dismissed all the appeals but ‌imposed some conditions on the grounds of appeal dea