Namibia clears way for offshore phosphate mining project

Namibia has granted environmental clearance for an offshore phosphate mining project that could become the world's first commercial seabed-dredging operation to extract the mineral, despite opposition from environmental groups and the fishing industry.

The government certificate clears the latest regulatory hurdle for Namibian Marine Phosphate (NMP) to develop its Sandpiper Project, which would involve dredging the seabed about 120 kilometres (75 miles) off Walvis Bay to extract phosphate, a key ingredient in fertilizer production.

NMP said the environmental clearance does not mean commercial mining will begin immediately, as the company still needs to obtain additional permits, including approvals for land-based infrastructure.

The project has faced opposition for more than a decade over concerns about its potential impact on marine ecosystems and Namibia's fishing industry.

NMP received a mining licence in 2011, but the project stalled in 2013 amid environmental concerns. The latest government approval has revived plans for the operation.

NMP says it plans to dredge about 1.7 square kilometres of seabed annually and produce up to three million tonnes of phosphate concentrate each year. Over the project's proposed 20-year licence period, the company estimates the area affected would account for about 0.002 percent of Namibia's seabed.

The company, which is 85 percent owned by an Oman-based mining group, stressed that no immediate commercial operations are planned.

Environmentalists and fishing industry representatives remain concerned about the potential consequences of seabed dredging.

Marine scientist Bronwen Currie warned that sediment plumes generated during excavation could affect marine ecosystems and potentially release heavy metals and other toxic substances trapped in the seabed.

She also questioned the project's economic viability, arguing that phosphate's relatively low value would require large quantities of seabed to be dredged.

Environmental specialist Peter Cunningham said sediment plumes could affect coastal habitats, crayfish spawning areas and other marine species.

The Confederation of Namibian Fishing Associations has reportedly threatened to challenge the validity of the environmental clearance, amid concerns about possible impacts on commercial fishing.

Ocean Conservation Namibia, a non-profit conservation group, also criticised the project, saying large-scale marine phosphate mining had never been commercially conducted anywhere in the world.

The group warned that the project could put marine habitats, water quality and fisheries at risk.

The clearance comes as countries and companies explore seabed mining for resources such as cobalt, nickel and other minerals. The emerging industry has faced opposition from environmental groups and calls for greater research into its potential impact on marine ecosystems.