Visitors to Blutkoppe express shock over mining activities

Visitors to the Blutkoppe area in the Namib-Naukluft National Park have raised concerns over apparent mining-related activity taking place close to the popular desert camping destination.

Campers who visited the area over recent months reported hearing drilling and heavy vehicle activity in what has long been regarded as a quiet wilderness area known for its rock formations, seasonal pools, wildlife and desert scenery.

The concerns intensified over the past weekend after visitors travelling towards Tinkasvlakte said they encountered what appeared to be a large-scale mining operation approximately two kilometres from Blutkoppe.

"It is shocking," a complainant told Network Media Hub (NMH) on Monday.

According to visitors, the activity included multiple heavy trucks, drills and significant dust clouds visible in the area.

Some campers indicated the noise originated from operations linked to Langer Heinrich Uranium (LHU) Mine "on the other side of the mountain", but later reported seeing active operations closer to Blutkoppe itself.

Environmental concerns have since been formally raised with the Office of the Ombudsman.

In a complaint dated 18 May 2026, a visitor requested an investigation into possible environmental impacts associated with the activity near Blutkoppe in and around the Naukluft Park area.

The complaint states that drilling, mining truck traffic, dust and noise were noticeable from the camping area itself and raised concerns about the impact on wildlife, vegetation and the visitor experience.

The complainant further expressed concern about possible impacts on sensitive desert flora and fauna, including quiver trees, lithops, welwitschia and a resident black eagle reportedly sighted in the area during the weekend.

Legal requirements

The complaint requested that authorities investigate whether the activity has the necessary environmental clearance and approvals, whether proper public participation processes were followed, and whether the operation complies with environmental conditions and legal requirements.

It also called for an investigation into whether avoidable environmental damage may be occurring in the area.

The Ombudsman’s office confirmed receipt of the complaint and said the matter would be referred to investigators for assessment.

Responding to questions from the NMH, LHU owner Paladin Energy confirmed that the operations observed near Bludkoppe form part of its approved mining activities.

LHU managing director Johan Roux said the operations fall within the mine’s approved mining lease area and are conducted under a valid Environmental Clearance Certificate and Environmental Management Plan issued by the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism.

“Langer Heinrich Uranium Mine is located within the Namib-Naukluft National Park. As such, biodiversity management is a priority and all activities are conducted with heightened sensitivity to the surrounding environment,” Roux said.

According to the company, the environmental approval process included environmental assessments and public participation processes.

The company further stated that its Environmental Clearance Certificate and Environmental Management Plan require mining activities to operate under “strict environmental, biodiversity, and heritage management controls” aimed at minimising impacts on sensitive habitats and species.

Roux said mitigation measures currently implemented include dust suppression, noise management, environmental monitoring and progressive rehabilitation of disturbed areas.

He added that operations remain subject to ongoing monitoring and regulatory oversight to ensure compliance with environmental commitments.