SCA dismisses Shell’s oil exploration appeal

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Shell has been dealt a blow after the Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) in Bloemfontein upheld an Eastern Cape High Court order that set aside the oil giant’s right to explore oil and gas off the Wild Coast.

The SCA has dismissed the appeal of Shell, Impact Africa and the Energy Department.

This comes after the High Court said that the right was granted unlawfully because the affected communities were neither notified nor consulted.

This meant that communities’ considerations were overlooked.

These include the right to food and livelihoods from the ocean as well as spiritual and cultural rights.

The court also found that Energy Minister Gwede Mantashe had failed to follow the Integrated Coastal Management Act requirements.

VIDEO: In May, the SCA heard interdict against Shell: