Phosphate divides opinion … clearance reignites seabed mining debate
WALVIS BAY – Namibians are divided in opinion after the granting of an Environmental Clearance Certificate (ECC) to Namibia Marine Phosphate (NMP) has once again reignited debate over the proposed mining of phosphate from Namibia’s seabed. Long-standing concerns are that the seabed mining could have catastrophic consequences for one of Namibia’s largest employment sectors –... The post Phosphate divides opinion … clearance reignites seabed mining debate appeared first on New Era .
WALVIS BAY – Namibians are divided in opinion after the granting of an Environmental Clearance Certificate (ECC) to Namibia Marine Phosphate (NMP) has once again reignited debate over the proposed mining of phosphate from Namibia’s seabed.
Long-standing concerns are that the seabed mining could have catastrophic consequences for one of Namibia’s largest employment sectors – the fishing industry. Others say the project will contribute to job creation.
The ministry of environment and tourism on Thursday granted environmental clearance to NMP for its proposed seabed mining, which is planned within mining licence 170 offshore Namibia. Reacting, marine resources expert Daniel Lukas yesterday said giving the project the green light is putting the fishing industry under pressure. “Our fish stocks are already under pressure, and introducing such a project can signal a collapse in the industry,” he said. He then cautioned the government to rather delve deeper into the matter, as there is too much to lose.
“So many lives depend on the fishing industry. This is a huge gamble,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Independent Patriots for Change (IPC), the official opposition, are also demanding answers from the ministry.
