CAPE TOWN – Interest in offshore prospecting in Block 5/6/7 appears to be gaining momentum once more, reigniting discussions among local residents. The topic initially attracted attention in late 2022 and early 2023, with a public meeting held in Kleinmond in November 2022 as part of the public participation process for obtaining environmental authorisation from the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE). 

TotalEnergies EP South Africa Block 567 (Pty) Ltd successfully secured this environmental authorisation. However, in July 2023, TotalEnergies’ head office in Paris announced its decision to exit offshore exploration activities in Block 5/6/7. At the time, TotalEnergies EP South Africa held a 40% interest in the project. 

Recently, TotalEnergies EP South Africa confirmed that the DMRE had granted an amendment to its Environmental Authorisation on 20 February 2025. This amendment extends the validity of the authorisation for exploration well drilling in Block 5/6/7. 

Inquiries by the Overstrand Herald revealed that the extension aims to provide additional time for the appointment of a new operator to succeed TotalEnergies in the project. 

Given South Africa’s current energy crisis, this development is seen as significant. However, in Kleinmond, residents have raised three primary concerns about the exploration process. These include: 

the lack of anticipated economic benefits for the local community or the creation of much-needed jobs;

inadequate measures to mitigate the impact of drilling on marine mammals, such as whales, and fish populations and 

potential long-term environmental damage, with borehole debris possibly affecting marine life in the surrounding area for up to a decade. 

The Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) report, spanning 660 pages, was supported by technical and specialist studies on Marine ecology, Fisheries, Socio-economic factors, Cultural heritage, Climate change, and Air emissions. 

The Herald sought insights from local geologist Dr. Jean Malan regarding these latest developments. Dr. Malan explained that, following TotalEnergies’ withdrawal, Block 5/6/7 remains open, and the extension of the Environmental Authorisation is part of the process to secure a new, as yet unidentified, operator. 

He noted that the deepwater licenses held by both TotalEnergies and Shell, covering seismic and borehole work programmes, are currently subject to the approval of environmental impact studies by affected and interested parties. These approvals must be obtained before the DMRE can validate the licenses.