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ARTICLE · 24 SEPTEMBER 2026

High Court Upholds TGS Orange Basin Seismic Survey Authorisation

Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr
Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr
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Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr

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The Western Cape High Court has dismissed a challenge to an environmental authorisation for seismic reconnaissance survey operations in the Orange Basin. The judgment examines whether decision-makers adequately considered environmental legislation, coastal management factors, and future oil and gas risks when granting approval for offshore exploration activities.

South AfricaEnvironment
Amore Carstens-Petersen
Amore Carstens-Petersen
Dean Tennant
Dean Tennant
Nozinhle Mbuyane
Nozinhle Mbuyane

On 13 August 2026, the Western Cape High Court (Court) dismissed a review application challenging the environmental authorisation (EA) granted to TGS Geophysical Company (UK)

At a glance

  • On 13 August 2026, the Western Cape High Court dismissed a review application challenging the environmental authorisation granted to TGS Geophysical Company (UK) Limited for a seismic reconnaissance survey in the Orange Basin.
  • The Court found that the applicants had not established a reviewable failure by the decision-makers to consider material information or relevant statutory considerations.
  • It also found that the post-authorisation submission of emergency plans did not render the environmental authorisation unlawful because the underlying risks, mitigation measures and required plan content had been addressed.

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