Reacting to the news from parliament this week that government plans, once again, to procure new nuclear, the Southern African Faith Communities’ Environment Institute (SAFCEI) says that decision-making from the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) is moving South Africa in the wrong direction. According to the multi-faith environmental justice organisation, … [Read more...]
DMRE grants environmental authorisation for offshore drilling
The Green Connection says it is disappointed that the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) has decided to grant environmental authorisation to TEEPSA to drill up to five exploration wells in Blocks 5/6/7 off the South-West coast of South Africa, including in riskier deep-water locations (at depths of up to 3.2 km). “It is always disappointing when government … [Read more...]
Seismic surveys a threat to marine ecosystems
Last month, The Green Connection lodged an appeal against the environmental authorisation – granted by the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) on 20 December 2022 – which allows Searcher Geodata UK to undertake a number of 3D seismic survey activities off the West Coast of South Africa in an area located between approximately 256km offshore of St Helena Bay to … [Read more...]
It’s time to uproot the DMRE
Solutions to South Africa’s crippling energy and climate crisis exist. Yet they are being blocked by the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) under the leadership of Minister Gwede Mantashe. Mantashe’s DMRE is holding back a rapid and just transition to renewable energy - the fastest, most affordable way to solve load shedding. Instead, they are working to lock … [Read more...]
Mining threatens fisheries in the West Coast
Coastal mining along the West Coast is expanding at an alarming rate, increasingly threatening the environment and livelihoods of small-scale fisheries and coastal communities. Currently there are many different companies that have applied for or been allocated permits and right for oil and gas exploration as well as prospecting or mining on coastal land, the beaches, in the … [Read more...]
Have your say on the South African Gas Master Plan
Please comment on the proposed Gas Master Plan by the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE). Here follows an excerpt from their basecase report regarding the importance of gas in the future energy mix: "At just 2.6% of the country’s total energy mix, South Africa’s natural gas market is small, but with all its inherent benefits, it has the potential to completely … [Read more...]
Join the call for change in the DMRE
It’s been over a month since activists from 350.org gathered across South Africa to call for change in the Department of Mineral Resources (DMRE). Other civil society organisations have now also joined them in signing an open letter speaking out against the repressive threats of lawsuits by Minister Mantashe, and in support of their call for change. Let's help them … [Read more...]
