Upstream Petroleum Resources Development Act: Regulations Imminent

Posted 16 March 2026 Written by Acts Online
Category Minerals & Energy

Brought to you by SA Legal Academy: The Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources has announced that regulations to operationalise the Upstream Petroleum Resources Development Act, No. 23 of 2024, are expected to be gazetted by the end of October 2024.

In terms of the Upstream Petroleum Resources Development Act, No. 23 of 2024, the Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources, Gwede Mantashe, has indicated that the regulatory framework necessary for the Act’s implementation is nearing completion. This legislation effectively separates the regulation of petroleum resources from the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act, No. 28 of 2002 (MPRDA), creating a dedicated regime for the upstream oil and gas sector.

The Minister further noted several legislative and administrative priorities currently underway:

  • The finalisation of regulations for the Upstream Petroleum Resources Development Act, No. 23 of 2024 to provide technical and procedural clarity.
  • The progression of the South African National Petroleum Company (SANPC) Bill, which aims to consolidate state-owned petroleum assets into a single entity.
  • The advancement of the Gas Amendment Bill to update the regulatory oversight of the gas industry.
  • Coordinated efforts by the Department of Forestry, Fisheries & the Environment to streamline administrative appeals, thereby reducing the risk of project delays caused by litigation.

What this means for you, your business, or your clients

  • For yourself: Professional advisors must familiarise themselves with the specific regulatory nuances of the UPRDA to distinguish them from the legacy MPRDA requirements.
  • For your business: Firms in the energy sector should prepare for new administrative workflows and compliance reporting structures that will be triggered upon the gazetting of the regulations.
  • For your clients: Upstream petroleum clients must review their current exploration and production permits against the forthcoming regulations to ensure alignment with new environmental and technical standards.

Originally published at https://legalacademy.co.za/news/read/upstream-petroleum-resources-development-act-commencement-imminent

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