Namibia: Fishing Workers Protest Phosphate Mining

What the report says

Fishing industry workers in Walvis Bay, Namibia, protested against marine phosphate mining, with support from community members and some politicians, according to New Era via AllAfrica. The demonstration came after the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism issued an Environmental Clearance Certificate for the Sandpiper Marine Phosphate Project earlier in the month. Protesters handed a petition to the ministry and urged the government to scrutinize the project more closely before any mining begins.

The workers and allied groups said they fear phosphate extraction on the seabed could affect fish stocks, marine habitats, spawning and nursery areas, and the wider coastal economy that depends on fishing. They argued that investment should not come at the expense of jobs, local livelihoods or the environment, and called for more consultation with fishing workers, companies, scientists, environmental groups, coastal communities and local authorities.

The Confederation of Namibian Fishing Associations also challenged the clearance decision and signaled it could be legally contested. In response, Namibia Marine Phosphate said it will not start commercial mining immediately and must still meet monitoring and other permitting requirements. A supporting view from the Namibia Chamber of Environment, as reported by New Era, said studies indicate the project could have limited environmental impact, though it also backed independent monitoring and public oversight. The dispute highlights the tension between mineral development and protection of Namibia’s fishing sector.