Shell, backed by Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy Gwede Mantashe, has applied for leave to appeal the court ruling that halted a planned seismic survey off the Wild Coast on Thursday, 22 September.
READ: Court orders Shell to halt seismic survey on Wild Coast
Impact Africa, the gas exploration company that was initially granted exploration rights and then transferred the rights to Shell, has also applied to appeal.
In its application, Shell argues that it is “premature” for climate change impacts to be considered at the exploration stage, reports News24.
NGOs Natural Justice and Greenpeace Africa released a joint statement, mentioning other arguments made by Shell which include that ‘the public had been properly notified of the decision to grant the exploration right and that the court should not have allowed the decision to be challenged so long after it was made. They [Shell] also argue the court should have ruled for the survey to proceed with mitigation measures in place, instead of halting it entirely.’
Cullinan and Associates, the law firm representing Greenpeace and Natural Justice, called the matter a “climate emergency”, reports Daily Maverick. ‘Shell, Impact Africa and Minister Gwede Mantashe want leave to appeal so that they can continue investing in increasing South Africa’s reliance on fossil fuels and exacerbate the climate emergency. It is dangerous and irresponsible to continue with activities that drive climate change and will contribute to untold suffering in Africa.’
Picture: Getaway gallery
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