Offshore production delayed
Extension granted for submission of environmental impact report
SOUTH AFRICA: Reacting to recent legal proceedings involving environmental assessments of unrelated offshore blocks, African Energy has successfully sought to obtain an extension to submit an updated environmental impact assessment for Block 11B/12B.
Currently holding a 10% share in the block, the company anticipates holding a 75% direct interest in the offshore acreage following the relevant approvals from local authorities following the withdrawal of other joint ventures and the completion of a restructuring.
Following the extension of the deadline, Africa Energy now has until May 4 next year to submit their updated environmental study. According to a statement issued by the company, the decision to request the extension relates to the recent decision by the Western Cape High Court in South Africa to set aside an environmental authorisation for offshore exploration operations in Block 5/6/7.
The August ruling directed the participants in Block 5/6/7 to submit new assessment reports that would address the deficiencies and to undertake public participation.
Reacting to the ruling and noting that an appeal process is still pending in the Supreme Court of Appeal, Africa Energy has sought counsel on how to amend their own environmental assessment studies, which will determine whether they are granted a production right for Block 11B/12B.
It remains unclear as to when this process will be finalised.
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