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The Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources has granted Environmental Authorisation for the Northern Cape Ultra Deep (NCUD) project, allowing Shell Offshore Upstream South Africa B.V. and its partners to begin drilling activities in 2026 or 2027.

The Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources (DMR) granted environmental authorisation on 30 June 2025 for Shell Offshore Upstream South Africa B.V. and its partners to conduct oil and gas exploration in the Northern Cape Ultra Deep (NCUD) block. The project area is approximately 5,254km in size, located 300km offshore of Port Nolloth and extending towards Strandfontein in waters 2,500m to 3,200m deep. Shell plans to drill two exploration wells in the first year and three in the second, starting in 2026 or 2027. The document outlines the legal process for appealing this decision to the Department of Forestry Fisheries and Environment (DFFE) by 29 July 2025, noting that a filed appeal automatically suspends the authorisation under Section 47(7) of NEMA. It also highlights potential environmental and social risks identified in the draft Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA), including underwater noise affecting fish behavior, threats to critically endangered species like blue whales and leatherback turtles, and the risk of oil spills causing toxicity, suffocation of marine fauna, and the smothering of coastal habitats. Additionally, the guide notes potential negative impacts on small-scale fishing livelihoods, tourism, and the spiritual and cultural heritage of indigenous groups such as the First Peoples and Nguni.

This site inspection report, authored by Dr. A. Jerardino of Heritage Western Cape, details visits to the Matzikama Municipality area between November 1 and 3, 2004. The report assesses the impact of proposed developments—including a golf course and retirement cottages north of Strandfontein and mineral prospecting on farm Geelwal Karoo 262—on archaeological and palaeontological resources. The author identifies numerous shell middens, stone artefacts, historical graves, and fossils, while noting a general lack of awareness among local stakeholders regarding the National Heritage Resources Act (NHRA).