Namibia approves large-scale deep-sea phosphate mining

The Namibian government has issued environmental licenses for the ‘Sandpiper’ project, potentially making the country the first to engage in large-scale deep-sea phosphate mining. The project, led by Namibia Marine Phosphate (NMP)—a joint venture between Oman-based Mawarid and local partner Havana Investments—aims to extract up to 3 million tons of phosphorite annually from the Atlantic Ocean floor.

The mining is planned to occur at depths of 200 to 300 meters, covering an area roughly the size of the Saarland over a 20-year period. The operation involves using a large suction pipe from a ship to dredge the seabed.

The decision has triggered significant opposition from coastal residents, environmental organizations, and political figures. Protesters in Walvis Bay have expressed concerns regarding the survival of the local fishing industry and the potential for socio-economic instability. Ocean Conservation Namibia (OCM) has warned that the dredging could destroy vital marine habitats, spread sediment clouds, and release heavy metals or toxic substances. Even President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah and the youth wing of the ruling SWAPO party have joined the protests, calling for a reassessment of the environmental impacts on the ecosystem and the economy.