Environmental activists welcome court decision allowing govt, Shell to appeal ruling against offshore drilling on West Coast

Environmental activists, the Green Connection and Natural Justice, have welcomed a high court decision to allow government and petroleum giant, Shell, 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.

The Green Connection and Natural Justice say the court bid exposed serious flaws in how environmental and social risks are evaluated for the project.

The social and environmental justice activists say that the despite the appeal being granted, the court's initial ruling affirms environmental justice.

These eco groups want community voices to remain central in decision-making.

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

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

Shell is reviewing the court's decision to determine its next steps.