TotalEnergies (TTE) and its joint venture partner Shell's (SHEL) environmental authorization to explore for oil in a block off South Africa was rescinded by a local court, media outlets reported Thursday, citing court documents.

The court said, however, that TotalEnergies should be given an opportunity to rectify the shortcomings identified, which included an inadequate assessment of the potential socio-economic consequences of oil spills.

In a statement to MT Newswires, TotalEnergies E&P South Africa said it had ceased operations at the block in July 2024.

"From the outset of the exploration project, Block 5/6/7 joint venture complied with all required local regulations, in particular environmental and social," the company said.

TotalEnergies E&P South Africa and Shell both told MT Newswires in separate statements that they were reviewing the judgment and will decide on the next course of action.