Gas production right receives environmental authorisation
In 2012 Tetra4 (Pty) Ltd (previously known as Molopo South Africa Exploration and Production Pty Ltd) became the first company in South Africa to receive an onshore petroleum Production Right. This right now covers around 187,000 hectares of gas fields across Welkom, Virginia and Theunissen in the Free State. It also has Exploration Rights spanning 18,732.93 hectares of land.
Since receiving its first environmental authorisation, Tetra4 has made additional applications to extend its operations and include more production-related activities. But community-based organisations such as Mining and Environmental Justice Community Network-South Africa (MEJCON-SA) and Mining Affected Communities United in Action (MACUA), and non-profit organisations, such as the Centre for Environmental Rights (CER)and Natural Justice (NJ), have successfully appealed these authorisations.
In May 2025, Tetra4 received another environmental authorisation which has expanded the area in which Tetra4 can undertake production activities.
Interested and Affected parties have the right to appeal this decision within 20 days from the date of notification. Appeals are due 10 June 2025.
This community guide was created to assist affected communities to understand the Appeal Process for Environmental Authorisation for Gas Production.
