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The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) of South Africa has refused an application for Environmental Authorisation submitted by Karpowership SA (Pty) Ltd for a 415MW Gas to Power Powership Project at the Port of Saldanha. The refusal is based on significant failures in the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process, including inadequate public consultation, gaps in specialist studies, and non-compliance with legislative requirements.

This document is an appeal decision by the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment of South Africa regarding the refusal of an Environmental Authorisation (EA) for Karpowership SA (Pty) Ltd's proposed Gas-to-Power via Powership Project at the Port of Richards Bay. The Minister remits the matter back to the Competent Authority (CA) to address material gaps in information and procedural defects in the public participation process.

The Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment of South Africa decided to remit the appeal regarding the refused Environmental Authorisation for Karpowership's Gas-to-Power project at the Port of Ngqura back to the Competent Authority. The original refusal was based on material gaps in environmental information, particularly regarding underwater noise impacts on marine life and fisheries, and procedural defects in public participation. Despite the project's status as a Strategic Integrated Project (SIP) intended to alleviate the national energy crisis, the Minister ruled that such status does not circumvent the requirements of the National Environmental Management Act (NEMA).

The Western Cape Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning (DAFF) issued a formal objection on 18 October 2018 to the proposed extension of the Tormin Mine and its infrastructure expansion. The Department cites the applicant's history of unlawful expansions and non-compliance with existing environmental authorisations as primary reasons for adopting a 'risk-averse and cautious approach' and objecting to the development.