Sasol Petroleum International has obtained a permit from the Petroleum Agency South Africa (PASA) to explore for hydrocarbons on the East Coast (Durban and Zululand basins), offshore Kwazulu-Natal province.

The grant follows the submission of a work programme in September 2012, followed by a high-level Environmental Impact Assessment and Environmental Management Plan completed in February this year.

In 2011, Sasol was granted a Technical Cooperation Permit (TCP 032) to study and investigate the potential for hydrocarbons in the area.

“This is Sasol’s first operated Exploration Right licence in South Africa for at least a decade,” said Ebbie Haan, Managing Director at Sasol

He added that Sasol would ensure that a robust public consultation programme was implemented during the assessment phase and that stakeholders’ concerns will be addressed.

According to a Gasworld report, Sasol already has an exemplary track record in conducting exploration of this nature, including its recent discoveries in the north of Mozambique, most notably the Rovuma basin, which has huge offshore deposits of natural gas.