Steady progress in south africa"South Africa’s ruling African National Congress and the Democratic Alliance party — which may end up forming a coalition government after this month’s elections — are both keen to see offshore exploration in the country, particularly off the west coast.
In October 2023, South Africa’s Department of Mineral Resources & Energy (DMRE) granted an environmental authorisation for the TotalEnergies to drill an exploration well — the first of up to 10 wells — in DWOB.
However, third parties had a right to lodge a formal appeal against the DMRE’s decision, with the Department of Forestry, Fisheries & Environment (DFFE) receiving its eight compliant appeals by the mid-November deadline.
On 6 May, SLR Consulting — which is handling the DWOB environmental approval process on behalf of TotalEnergies — said that DFFE approved the drilling plan, "