Namibia paves way for phosphate mining in the Atlantic Ocean

Namibia has granted environmental clearance for an offshore phosphate mining project, marking the world's first commercial seabed-dredging operation for the mineral. This comes despite opposition from green groups and the fishing industry. The government certificate, issued this month, is a crucial step in Namibian Marine Phosphate's plans to dredge the ocean floor 75 miles off the coast of Walvis Bay for a key ingredient in fertilizers.

However, the clearance does not imply immediate commercial mining operations. The Sandpiper Project, as it's known, would involve controlled dredging across around 1.7 square kilometers annually, resulting in 3 million tonnes of phosphate concentrate per year over 20 years. This would represent only 0.002% of Namibia's seabed. Conservationists are alarmed, with marine scientist Bronwen Currie warning that sediment plumes and heavy metals could harm ecosystems and marine life. Despite these concerns, the project requires further permitting before it can commence.