JOHANNESBURG, Jan 13 (Reuters) - Shell's plan for seismic
testing on South Africa's Wild Coast, which critics say
threatens dolphins, seals, whales, penguins and other rare sea
life, received all necessary environmental approvals, the
country's energy minister said in a letter to parliament.
In a written reply to questions that was released by
parliament late on Wednesday, Energy Minister Gwede Mantashe
said no shortcuts had been made in the process.
"As part of the exploration right application, an
environmental impact assessment was carried out in 2013 (and) no
objections were received," the letter said.
"All applicable legislative requirements were followed in
granting the exploration right."
On Dec. 28, a South African high court blocked Royal Dutch
Shell from conducting seismic testing offshore of the
Wild Coast, the latest ruling in a case brought by environmental
groups and residents against Shell.
Environmentalists and others have protested against Shell's
plans for seismic blasting, saying its underwater acoustics are
harmful to marine animals, especially migrating whales.
The Wild Coast comprises some of South Africa's most
unspoilt natural coastline, and is home to some of the country's
most undisturbed marine wildlife refuges, all of which makes it
a major tourist draw.
Shell says its planned exploration has all the needed
regulatory approval, and it will significantly contribute to
energy security if resources are found -- South Africa is a net
importer of petroleum products.
Government officials are eager to source feedstock for the
state-run Mossel Bay gas-to-liquid refinery.
Environmentalists are pressuring oil companies to stop
prospecting for oil anywhere. Experts say the world has no
chance of reaching net zero carbon emissions by 2050 -- the
minimum required to halt catastrophic climate change -- even if
existing oil deposits are burned, let alone new ones.
(Reporting by Tim Cocks. Editing by Jane Merriman)