Seismic surveys ‘remain valid’

THE Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) says while it has noted the concerns about seismic surveys to be conducted along the South African coastline, DFFE Minister Barbara Creecy is not responsible for authorising such surveys.

Department spokesperson Albi Modise was responding to concerns about the seismic surveys to be conducted by Shell and Impact Africa Limited off the coast of South Africa between December and February 2022.

“The impact of the seismic survey to be undertaken by Shell and Impact

Africa has been authorised under the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act 2002, which under section 39(2) of the Act requires the submission of an environmental management plan which is to assess and evaluate the environmental impacts of the activity,” Modise said.

He said Mineral Resources and Energy Minister Gwede Mantashe was the minister responsible for the administration of the MPRDA.

“Since the coming into effect of the One Environment System on December 8, 2014, the application process for the seismic surveys was finalised. All decisions made under the MPRDA at the time remain valid.”