Project

Environmental Compliance Consultancy (ECC) has been contracted by Namibian Marine Phosphate (Pty) Ltd (NMP) to revise and update the environmental and social impact assessment (ESIA) for dredging of marine phosphate material within ML 170, offshore, Namibia.

The proposed project is located within mining licence ML 170 and is referred to as the Sandpiper Marine Phosphate Project (referred to as “the Project” herein).  Namibian Marine Phosphate (Pty) Ltd (hereafter referred to as “The Proponent”), is the official applicant for the proposed project and environmental clearance application.

Previous exploration activities have verified to internationally approved standards the existence of a world-class economically viable marine phosphate deposit in the mining licence area ML 170.  The mining licence comprises an area of 2,233 km² and is located offshore approximately 120km southwest of Walvis Bay. The eastern boundary of the mining licence is located approximately 40 km off the coast (directly west of Conception Bay) and water depths where the deposit is situated range from 190 m at the eastern boundary to 300 m and the western boundary of the mining licence.  The proposed project is located within the priority mining area for industrial minerals: phosphate in terms of the draft marine spatial plan.

The intention is to develop these deposits using proven deep water dredging techniques, transfer the product to shore at Walvis Bay where minimal beneficiation is required to separate the phosphate from other marine sediments. The processed product is an exportable phosphate concentrate.

ECC’s Role

Environmental Compliance Consultancy cc. hereby gives notice to all members of the public that an application for an environmental clearance certificate in accordance with the Environmental Management Act, No. 7 of 2007 will be made for the proposed Sandpiper Marine Phosphate Project within ML 170, offshore, Namibia. Members of the public are invited to register as an Interested and Affected Party (IAP) and provide input into the environmental and social impact assessment.

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