Sandpiper economic case remains incomplete, review finds
An independent review by Dr. Carola Kirchner suggests the economic case for the Sandpiper Marine Phosphate Project is incomplete. The report highlights concerns regarding volatile phosphate prices and unresolved operational requirements.
Why it matters
The project's viability is critical for regional economic development, but current market instability and lack of data create significant investment risk.
THE economic case for the Sandpiper Marine Phosphate Project remains incomplete, with an independent review finding that updated financial, environmental and fisheries assessments are needed before the project’s projected economic benefits can be regarded as established.
The review, conducted by independent Fisheries Management Scientist Dr Carola Kirchner, concludes that the available evidence does not support declaring Sandpiper uneconomic, but also does not provide sufficient basis to establish the scale and durability of its projected benefits.
Kirchner earned a Bachelor of Science (BSc) from the University of Southern California in the United States, a Bachelor of Science Honours (BSc Honours) from the University of Cape Town (UCT), a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from UCT and a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) from Nelson Mandela University (NMMU).
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