Fishing confederation threatens court action against phosphate mining
The Confederation of Namibian Fishermen’s Association is threatening legal action against the government following the approval of an environmental certificate for a marine phosphate mining project. The fishing industry argues that the project poses a significant threat to the local marine ecosystem and their livelihoods.
Why it matters
The conflict highlights the tension between economic development through resource extraction and the preservation of vital environmental and fishing industries.
THE Confederation of Namibian Fishermen’s Association has threatened legal action following the granting of an Environmental Clearance Certificate (ECC) to the Namibia Marine Phosphate (NMP) mining project.
The Sandpiper Marine Phosphate Project (“Sandpiper Project”) is a marine phosphate deposit located offshore, comprising some 1.6 billion tons of resources and 132 million tons of ore reserves of pelletal phosphate, aiming to establish a fertiliser industry in Namibia, contributing to employment and GDP.
The project over the years has received much opposition from fishing groups such as the Confederation of Namibian Fishermen’s Association and ocean conservation groups, which argue that the project poses a risk to the Benguela Marine Ecosystem, the fishing industry and the environment.
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