Mossel Bay to hold offshore gas field open day

Update

MOSSEL BAY NEWS - A public open day on which Mossel Bay residents may learn more about the proposed offshore gas field development will be held at the D'Almeida Community Hall on Monday 14 September.

The municipality announced in a notice posted to its Facebook page that Main Street 1549 (Pty) Ltd has applied for environmental authorisation and associated production activities to develop an offshore gas field in Block 11B/12B, which is between 75km and 120km offshore of the Southern Cape coast, between Mossel Bay and Cape St Francis.

Residents can learn more about the projects and Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (Esia) process at the open day.

In May this year, Mossel Bay Advertiser reported that the Esia's submission, which was meant to be handed in that month, had been extended to 4 November. The environmental authorisation is a prerequisite to the granting of the production right to Block 11B/12B.

TotalEnergies had a majority interest in this block (45%); however, it announced its withdrawal from it in a 2024 statement.

Joint partners CNR International, which held 20% interest, and QatarEnergy, which held 25%, withdrew their interest shortly afterwards, leaving just Africa Energy Corp, which holds 10% interest through its investment in Main Street.

Through Main Street, Africa Energy still currently holds a 10% participating interest in Block 11B/12B.

However, subject to all relevant regulatory approvals by South African authorities regarding the 2024 withdrawals and the completion of Main Street's restructuring, Africa Energy expects to hold a 75% direct interest in the block.

The public open day will be held from 15:00 to 19:00, when interested parties may view project maps, posters and videos, meet members of the Esia team and representatives of Main Street, and ask questions about the proposed project.

More information can be obtained by sending a WhatsApp to 071 586 5881.

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