N$1.3bn donor deal fuels Sorris Sorris dogfight

Andrada Mining has dismissed allegations linking it to illegal tin mining in the Sorris Sorris Conservancy as “factually incorrect and deliberately misleading,” amid calls by Kunene governor Vipuakuje Muharukua for mining and conservation to amicably co-exist in the region.The claims, made by World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Namibia, suggest mining is threatening conservation gains and a pending US$75 million (N$1.3 billion) donor deal.WWF alleges Andrada is enabling mining through its offtake agreement with Goantagab Mining, in the rhino-rich, eco-sensitive conservancy. A leaked WWF communication seen by Namibian Sun blamed political interference and weak regulatory enforcement for ongoing alleged violations.The conservancy has also been embroiled in a dispute between Ultimate Safaris and local traditional leaders, with Chief Zacharias Seibeb recently threatening to evict the tour operator over its opposition to mining activities. WWF claims recent blasting breached a court interdict and the conditions of the environmental clearance certificate (ECC).“This isn’t development. It’s speculation at the expense of Namibia’s conservation reputation. How can we assure international partners their funds will be used responsibly when the rule of law is being ignored?” WWF said.Andrada Mining respondsAndrada maintains it is not conducting mining but is purchasing ore under a US$15 million (N$258 million) agreement with Goantagab Mining (Pty) Ltd. The company said Goantagab is the legally appointed agent for EPL holders Timoteus Mashuna and Ottilie Ndimulunde, and that all current mining is under valid permits.“Any mining currently underway is being undertaken by Goantagab Mining, with the appropriate permits in place. Andrada is not the operator and functions strictly as a buyer of the ore,” the company said.The deposit was first explored in the 1980s by Gold Fields Namibia, which drilled over 20,000 metres and defined a non-JORC resource averaging 0.95% tin, with higher-grade pockets reaching 1.75%. Andrada said with global tin prices near decade highs, the deposit has strong long-term value. The company highlighted N$505 million spent on Namibian suppliers and N$84 million in wages, royalties, and community projects last year.WWF countered with a 2003 Snowden Mining Industry Consultants study, which classified the Sorris Sorris deposit as subeconomic. Andrada argued the report is outdated, noting that modern technology and market conditions significantly improve the project’s potential.ECC and regulatory regimeWWF alleges the environmental commissioner unlawfully issued an ECC despite the conservancy’s protected status. After being questioned by the mining commissioner, the commissioner allegedly delayed five months before claiming no error had occurred—reactivating mining access without formal consultation with the Ministry of Environment.The Fund also accused the commissioner of issuing a compliance order that allowed environmental breaches and extending it to a second claim holder without notifying communities. WWF further claimed the EPLs were illegally sold to Paulus Nghifikepunye, a shareholder in Goantagab Mining and Nexus Construction. However, Mashuna and Ndimulunde have denied selling their EPLs. Attempts to reach environmental commissioner Timoteus Mufeti were unsuccessful.Call for co-existenceKunene Governor Vipuakuje Muharukua called for a balanced approach, stressing that development and conservation must co-exist as outlined in Namibia’s Constitution.“My comments have always aligned with Article 95, which directs the state to adopt policies that create wealth and ensure that natural resources benefit the people. To frame this as political patronage is inaccurate,” he said.Muharukua urged inclusive dialogue and criticised rigid, zero-sum approaches, reaffirming his support for a peaceful resolution.“Namibia is richly blessed with resources. We must use them wisely - not to divide ourselves. Co-existence is not just an ideal. It is a necessity,” he said.

N$1.3bn donor deal fuels Sorris Sorris dogfight

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Namibian Sun 2026-01-09

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N$1.3bn donor deal fuels Sorris Sorris dogfight

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Namibian Sun 2026-01-09

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