The Grahamstown High Court in Makhanda has halted Shell’s plans to continue with its seismic survey along the ecologically sensitive Wild Coast.
According to the ruling by Judge Gerald Bloem on Tuesday, December 28, Shell should now stop with the survey which kicked off on December 2. The ruling comes after Richard Spoor Attorneys and the Legal Resources Centre (LRC) acting on behalf of the Dwesa-Cwebe, Amadiba, and Port Saint Johns communities, argued that the seismic surveying was devastating to the marine environment as well as harmful to communities’ rights, Times Live reported.
During the legal arguments, the multinational oil and gas company was also warned that the latest interim interdict granted could mean that it might have to abandon its entire operation.
VICTORY: #Shell #ImpactAfrica & #BGInternational have been interdicted frm undertaking seismic surveys & #DMR & #BGInternational shall pay the costs of the application for an interim interdict ✊⚖️ @LRCSouthAfrica @Richard_Spoor @enviro_lawyers @Greenpeaceafric #SaveTheWildCoast https://t.co/7mHaInJdNu
— Natural Justice (@naturaljustice) December 28, 2021
Also read: Shell faces new court case as community tries to stop seismic survey
Shell has already faced nationwide backlash following the seismic announcement with many South Africans protesting the action. Nearly 379 000 individuals have signed an online petition
Meanwhile, Shell and Mineral resources and energy minister Gwede Mantashe have been ordered to pay the legal costs of the application.
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Picture: Twitter / @shellslies