Africa Energy working on ESIA report for South Africa offshore block

A pre-requisite to the grant of production right in Block 11B/12B offshore South Africa, Africa Energy Corp has obtained approval of its request for a deadline extension for the submission of a new Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) to 4 May 2026

Operator of 11B/12B, Africa Energy Corp holds interest on the block through its investment in Main Street 1549 Pty Ltd. 

The extension to the ESIA has been granted in light of the recent decision by the Western Cape High Court in South Africa to set aside an environmental authorisation for offshore exploration operations in Block 5/6/7 (held by an unrelated party) so that additional, new and amended environmental assessments can be conducted and placed before the Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources for reconsideration.

An application for leave to appeal this decision to the Supreme Court of Appeal has been launched by the unrelated party. The company is therefore engaging with its advisors, including legal counsel, to determine the amendments and additions which may be required to its ESIA as a result of the High Court decision. Due to the High Court decision, which is pending appeal to the Supreme Court of Appeal, there is no certainty on the timing of the grant of the environmental authorisation after the submission of the amended ESIA. To navigate the challenges, the company is continuing to gather information and work with applicable regulators. 

Main Street currently holds a 10% participating interest in Block 11B/12B, offshore South Africa. Subject to all relevant regulatory approvals by South African authorities in respect to the withdrawal of the joint venture partners in Block 11B/12B and completion of the restructuring of Main Street, the company expects to hold a 75% direct interest in Block 11B/12B. Both the assignment of the withdrawing parties' interest in Block 11B/12B to Main Street and the completion of the Main Street restructuring require grant of the production right in relation to Block 11B/12B.