2-App-NMP minutes-2-Authorities-WHK - Enviro Dynamics Namibia

option removes a layer of 0,5m deep and 11m wide) as well as its handling and storage
capacity. The TSPH is the preferred method of mining.
Different techniques for mining were also investigated. This constituted of the crawler,
mechanical grab or large diameter drill and the trailing suction hopper dredge (TSHD). The
latter was identified as the preferred option since it has a holding capacity of 46,000m³, can
complete a cycle in three days, and has well established environmental controls and the
dredge head can also be accurately controlled.
It was explained that during Year 1 of the mining operations, 1.33mt will be mined over a
period of 11 weeks. This will increase to 5.5mt in Year 3 over 47 weeks. The latter is also
expected to be the ongoing rate of mining.
The Mining Licence Area for this project was indicated on a map showing the different
concentrations of phosphate distribution. These deposits were initially identified during the
1970s. At this stage, it was mentioned that phosphate is an important component of
fertilizers. China has stopped exporting their phosphate and instead opts to keep it incountry
for agricultural purposes.
A schematic of the dredging operations was shown. Aspects such as the depth of each
mining cut and the fact that excess water will be discharged from the vessel containing fine
sediments, were highlighted.
The production ramp-up was also discussed. In Year 1 approximately 1.33mt of solids will
be mined, exporting 0.5 to 1.0mt. This is expected to increase to 5.5mt being mined and
3.0mt to be exported by Year 3.
It was explained that there are different mining areas within the licence area. NMP has
obtained a 20-year mining licence to mine the deposit, the resource is a huge. An initial
mining target are of 8 × 22km² has been identified. The deposit is between 1.5m to 3.0m
thick. Up to 3km² will be mined annually.
The following potential environmental impacts have been:
• the annual removal of up to 3km²;
• the removal of up to 3m of the seabed;
• mortalities in benthic fauna and disturbance to their foraging areas and food sources;
• modifications to the water column and disturbance to the benthic fauna ecosystem.
One needs to understand the marine environment and establish baseline information on it
which will in this case include marine fauna, seabed and benthos, as well as the water
column. The specialist’s studies will consider these aspects.
A map indicating the locality of the mining areas in relation to the commercial fishing and
spawning grounds was presented. Hake and monk fish are found within the project area
and it was acknowledged that these are important commercially to the fishing industry.
6