NMP says no phosphate mining yet

WALVIS BAY – Namibia Marine Phosphate says it will not immediately begin mining despite being granted an Environmental Clearance Certificate (ECC) for its Sandpiper Marine Phosphate Project.

Namibia Marine Phosphate (NMP) Country Manager Hannelie Scheepers, in a statement released this week said although the company welcomed the clearance, several requirements still need to be met before mining can start.

“The project remains subject to the implementation of detailed environmental monitoring programmes and the completion of additional permitting processes for the terrestrial component,” Scheepers said. She said NMP would now focus on meeting the conditions attached to the ECC, including marine environmental monitoring in accordance with the Environmental and Social Management Programme (ESMP).

“There are no immediate or urgent commercial operations planned by NMP,” Scheepers said. She said the company would implement marine environmental monitoring activities in accordance with the ESMP and conditions of the ECC.