Namibia: Fishing Workers Protest Phosphate Mining

Sandpiper Marine Phosphate Project

The Sandpiper Marine Phosphate Project, spearheaded by Namibia Marine Phosphate (NMP), has become a focal point of environmental and economic debate in Namibia. NMP, a joint venture predominantly owned by an Oman-based entity, plans to extract phosphate deposits from seabed sediments, aiming to produce approximately three million tonnes of phosphate concentrate annually. The mining operations are projected to cover a relatively small area, averaging 1.7 square kilometres per year, which represents only 0.1% of its extensive mining licence area 170.

Despite these seemingly modest operational footprints, the project has ignited significant opposition, particularly from the fishing sector and coastal communities. The recent issuance of an Environmental Clearance Certificate (ECC) by the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism has intensified these concerns, prompting public protests and calls for more rigorous scrutiny. NMP country manager Hannelie Scheepers has clarified that mining will not commence immediately, as the project is still subject to detailed environmental monitoring programmes and additional permitting for its terrestrial components, indicating a phased approach to implementation.

Confederation of Namibian Fishing Associations

The Confederation of Namibian Fishing Associations (CNFA) has emerged as a leading voice against the Sandpiper Marine Phosphate Project, challenging the legitimacy of the Environmental Clearance Certificate (ECC) granted to NMP. The association contends that the fishing industry, a cornerstone of Namibia's economy and coastal livelihoods, was not adequately consulted prior to the ECC's issuance. This alleged lack of consultation forms the basis of their legal challenge, which questions the fairness and transparency of the decision-making process.

Lawyer Sisa Namandje, representing the CNFA, formally communicated their intent to challenge the validity of the ECC to environment commissioner Timoteus Mufeti. Namandje's letter explicitly states that the decision to grant the ECC is inconsistent with fairness requirements and signals an immediate legal challenge. The CNFA's primary concern revolves around the potential disturbance of seabed habitats, marine ecosystems, and critical fish spawning and nursery areas, which could severely impact fish stocks and the productivity of fishing grounds, thereby jeopardizing thousands of jobs.

Namibia Chamber of Environment

In contrast to the fishing industry's strong opposition, the Namibia Chamber of Environment (NCE) has publicly expressed its support for the Sandpiper phosphate mining project. The NCE's stance is grounded in extensive scientific studies and environmental impact assessments, which, according to them, indicate that the proposed offshore operation would have limited environmental impacts. They also suggest minimal conflict with Namibia's established fishing industry, providing a counter-narrative to the concerns raised by protestors.

Brown, representing the NCE, highlighted that the project has undergone one of the most comprehensive environmental impact assessments ever conducted in Namibia. He asserted that specialists and independent reviewers have thoroughly examined and addressed the concerns voiced by the public, the fishing sector, and other stakeholders. While supporting the project, Brown emphasized the necessity for independent monitoring and multi-sector oversight, advocating for public disclosure of environmental findings to ensure transparency and accountability throughout the project's lifecycle. The three-year validity of the ECC is seen as an opportunity for the government to reassess environmental performance before any potential renewal.