JOHANNESBURG - Shell, Impact Africa and the Mineral Resources and Energy Department have lost their bid over exploration rights in the wild Coast.
The High Court in Makhanda's judgment set aside the exploration right.
This includes subsequent renewals granted to Shell to conduct oil and gas exploration in the area.
Shell and Impact Oil and Gas had invested over R1 billion in exploration.
Environmental activists and small-scale fishing communities successfully argued that the oil companies had failed to provide proper notice and engage with fishing communities.
This is due to the fact their livelihoods would be threatened by the exploration.