Illegal mining continues in Dorob despite fines and objections, observers say

Unlawful mica mining is allegedly continuing inside Dorob National Park in the Namib, despite a reported government probe and subsequent fines issued earlier this year.Tourism operators, environmentalists and residents allege escalating environmental damage, lax enforcement and deliberate evasion in the licensing process allegedly tied to exclusive prospecting licence (EPL) 10877.A source confirmed to Namibian Sun that the ministry had acknowledged conducting an investigation in February, with a report submitted to senior officials and the environmental officer in March. A joint patrol was carried out with the mines ministry, resulting in fines totalling N$14 000. The source indicated that a follow-up inspection of the area is planned.Village in the desert Despite this, multiple sources on the ground claim illegal mining persists in the Goanikontes area, which forms part of the Dorob National Park – a proclaimed protected area. The sources further claim that a settlement housing hundreds of people has been reported operating near the Swakop River, allegedly without permits or infrastructure. Heavy machinery, water tanks, tents and open pit activity have been observed, according to eyewitnesses. Allegations include environmental destruction, poaching, illegal firewood harvesting and pollution.“These people are plundering everything,” one source familiar with the area claimed. “They pollute. It’s dirty, very dirty. They bathe there, they defecate there and they just live out there and wreck the place illegally.”Process just ‘a cover’Concerns have intensified following the appearance of a July 2025 Background Information Document (BID) for EPL 10877, where Omegore Mineral and Trading CC has appointed Excel Dynamic Solutions to conduct an environmental scoping assessment. The application proposes prospecting for base and rare metals and industrial minerals, including mica, over 7 005 hectares southwest of Arandis. The area overlaps Goanikontes Farm and Dorob National Park.While the environmental consultant claims the process is still in a scoping phase, several tour operators and residents allege that extraction is already underway.“They are trying to legalise what is already happening illegally,” a resident claimed. “They’ve started mining already. This EPL process is just a cover.”Critical factors ignoredThe BID outlines planned non-invasive and invasive exploration phases, including trenching and drilling. It proposes use of existing roads (B2 and D1991), tented accommodation for seven staff, portable toilets, 2 400 litres of water per month, and 1 200 litres of diesel per month. The document lists potential environmental impacts such as habitat disturbance, dust and land-use conflicts. Notably absent from the report, critics say, is any substantial assessment of the tourism economy or the impact on heritage and biodiversity.“It is with great disappointment to note that the impact on tourism has not been listed in the BID,” a tourism operator pointed out. “This just shows that the applicant and Excel Dynamic Solutions have not done any homework on the area – or choose to ignore the largest economic impact this project will have.”More than 250 individuals have signed a petition against the proposed mining, raising concerns over endangered species (such as the Namaqua chameleon, Namib desert beetle, brown hyena and web-footed gecko), destruction of unique geological features, and the undermining of the coastal tourism industry.“Our tourism is a sustainable long-term income... opening a mine might create a few jobs, but how many hospitality jobs is it going to shut down?” said the petition organiser.Who owns Omegore?The ownership of Omegore Mineral and Trading CC has also come under scrutiny.Consultants at Excel Dynamic Solutions told Namibian Sun that the company is not owned by a Namibian national. An email was shared with this publication signed by an individual named “Luna” at a Chinese email address associated with a Chinese electrical company, Pamica. Questions were sent by this newspaper, but no response has been received. Those raising concerns claim that a “Chinese woman who lives in Arandis” is directing the suspected illegal operations. Whether this individual is the same “Luna” associated with EPL 10877 remains unconfirmed.Public input hindered, critics say Tour operators and residents have further alleged that the EPL process was poorly advertised, with some only becoming aware of it after the public comment period had already begun. Efforts to register as interested and affected parties reportedly faced delays or were allegedly ignored altogether.The site lies along well-known tourist routes, including the Welwitschia Drive, close to the Moon Landscape, and heritage sites dating back to 1906.The situation echoes similar concerns from 2024, when residents of Palmenhorst Farm in the Namib Naukluft Park reported illegal mica mining causing damage and pollution. At the time, the environment ministry confirmed an investigation was underway.Meanwhile, a 2025 policy change reported by Namibian Sun noted that flagship parks, including Dorob National Park, are to be shielded from new mining activities. The current EPL process appears to stand in direct conflict with that aim.Efforts to obtain clarity from the environment and tourism ministry, as well as the mines ministry have produced limited results.

Illegal mining continues in Dorob despite fines and objections, observers say

Comments

Namibian Sun 2025-09-16

Please login to leave a comment

Illegal mining continues in Dorob despite fines and objections, observers say

Comments

Namibian Sun 2025-09-16

Please login to leave a comment

Login