Shell reviewing court decision allowing it to appeal ruling against offshore drilling along West Coast

Petroleum giant Shell says it's reviewing a high court decision to allow the company permission to appeal a ruling against offshore drilling along the West Coast.

The Western Cape High Court recently overturned a Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources decision to grant Shell permission to drill for oil along a section of the Cape coast.

Social and environmental justice activists, the Green Connection and Natural Justice, say that despite the appeal being granted, the court's initial ruling affirms environmental justice.

Shell spokesperson Pam Ntaka: "Shell has noted the court’s decision to grant leave to appeal in relation to aspects of the Western Cape High Court’s judgment on block 5/6/7. We are currently reviewing the decision to determine next steps."

Green Connection's advocacy officer, Lisa Makaula, said the case against Shell would set a legal precedent for future exploratory drilling projects.

"The ruling on environmental authorisation still remains unlawful, and we're happy to see that the process will have to be redone again in a correct manner, whereby the communities are also involved."

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