Namibia’s Moratorium on Marine Phosphate Mining

Finality on Duration of Namibia’s Moratorium on Marine Phosphate Mining

The Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources, the Hon. Bernhard Esau, gave the conclusive answer when he replied to questions by The Namibian on this issue.

In an article entitled “Marine phosphate mining moratorium to continue” in today’s edition the Minister removed all doubt about the duration of the Moratorium.

He could not have been more explicit when he declared that “the moratorium will remain” and that it will be for “three years with an extension not excluded”.

Significantly, he added emphatically that the moratorium “will still be in place until such time that … we have peace of mind”.

The full text of the article reads as follows:

TUESDAY marked exactly 18 months since Cabinet decided on 17 September 2013 to impose an 18-month moratorium on marine phosphate mining, and according to fisheries minister Bernhard Esau, the moratorium will remain.

In fact, nearly a year ago on 24 March 2014, Esau said the moratorium would be for three years with an extension not excluded. The original notion of 18 months was, however, held to and propagated by those in the prospective industry and even the media.

To remove any doubts about this, The Namibian contacted Esau on Tuesday to ask him whether he could confirm that the period for the moratorium will be for three years.

“Scope studies to determine the terms of reference on a comprehensive moratorium is still ongoing. This will reveal whether phosphate mining will have an impact on the environment, and that is why all is on hold, and the moratorium will still be in place until such time that we have agreed on the terms. It will be that long. It has been extended until such time that we have peace of mind,” Esau said.

He stated that environmental clearances for prospective marine phosphate operations will only be considered if and when the moratorium ended.

The Norwegian-based Foundation for Scientific and Industrial Research and the Institute of Marine Research have been contracted to identify the scientific requirements to assess impacts of marine phosphate mining on the ocean environment.

Esau said he was still awaiting the report.

“There are different structures. They are working with technical people who are experts. That technical committee will send a report to me and to the other line ministers of environment and tourism, works and transport and mines and energy. We are just waiting for the report and then we will convene a meeting to consider the way forward,” he said.

This is an indication from Esau that will enable all those involved in the work of the technical committee to focus on the report at hand and not be concerned about the moratorium running out, as well as a clear message from the minister to all concerned not to expect quick decisions”.

http://www.namibian.com.na/indexx.php?id=24668&page_type=story_detail&category_id=1

It is important to note that the technical committee referred to by the Minister is reviewing the planned scientific studies independently of any industry players: clearly to ensure that the findings will be based purely on science and in no way be influenced by interests from any of the industries involved in and dependent on the marine environment.

It is indeed gratifying to know that the two Norwegian Institutions will in no way allow their studies and report to be influenced or undermined by comments and actions that are scientifically irrelevant and questionable.

On such a sound scientific foundation the Namibian Government will be able to eventually reach a well-considered decision that will be to the benefit of the country and for the protection of its marine resources.

[NOTE: It is highly significant that when the new President announced his cabinet yesterday he entrusted both Minister Esau and his Deputy with their current portfolios thereby ensuring continuity in an important Ministry such as Fisheries and Marine Resources]

ENDS

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