Staff Reporter
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.
In a letter via Sisa Namandje, the confederation has demanded answers and transparency around the granting of the ECC from the Environmental Commissioner, the Minister of Environment, as well as the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Land Reform.
Namandje said that the Environmental Commissioner failed to respond to several letters dated 6 May 2022 and 16 June 2022, which sought transparency in relation to the phosphate mining project and concerns raised.
“Because you promised to respond to our client’s letters, we worked on the basis (and our client had a legitimate expectation) that you would not proceed to make a decision on Namibia Marine Phosphate’s application for an Environmental Clearance Certificate without responding to our client’s letters and providing the information sought; and without forewarning us that you intend to proceed with the issuance of the ECC to Namibia Marine Phosphate,” Namandje said.
He added that the Environmental Commissioner is in breach of a promise he made to respond to the confederation, and that the association was surprised when, on Friday, 7 August 2026, it received information that the Environmental Commissioner had granted the ECC to Namibia Marine Phosphate despite knowledge of the confederation’s diametric opposition to the ECC being granted.
“Both your conduct and decision to grant an ECC to Namibia Marine Phosphate are inconsistent with the requirement of fairness and reasonableness under Article 18 of the Namibian Constitution,” Namandje said.
He added that his client demands answers as to why he acted with an alleged lack of transparency, fairness, rationality and reasonableness by proceeding without responding to his client’s letters and in breach of his promise, adding that the validity of the decision can be challenged immediately.
Picture for illustrative purposes only. Photo: Marine Ropes
