Wild Coast Communities in the Eastern Cape have secured another significant victory in the battle against oil and gas exploration in the area.
Judge Gerald Bloem on Thursday dismissed an application by Shell and the Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy, Gwede Mantashe, for leave to appeal his December ruling that temporarily halted Shell from carrying out a seismic survey off the Wild Coast.
The interdict was granted in favour of the Dwesa, Port St John's and Amadiba Communities who argued that the method of the survey would be devastating to marine life and threaten their livelihoods and cultural practices.
Judge Bloem said his interim interdict remains in place pending the finalisation of another court application to set aside Shell’s exploration right entirely.
This application will be heard on the 30th of May.
