Swakop Uranium denies burning tyres at Walvis landfill

Swakop Uranium’s Husab Mine and the Walvis Bay Municipality have denied burning tyres at the dump site.Claims on social media accused the mine of burning thousands of tyres at the Walvis Bay landfill in violation of environmental laws.The posts questioned how such activities could be allowed while the municipality simultaneously enforces anti-pollution by-laws.Swakop Uranium’s vice president for mining operations, Irvinne Simataa, dismissed the claims, saying the mine does not burn any tyres now or in the future, as there is no plausible reason to do so.Strict internal protocols“We have no dealings with the municipality of Walvis Bay dumpsite or any other entity in any form or manner particularly in regard to tyre disposals. All our tyres are disposed onsite and can be sighted in the manner we use them,” Simataa said.According to Simataa, the mine adheres to strict internal protocols for waste handling and tyre disposal, noting that all tyres are stored onsite. Municipal spokesperson Anita Kaihiva confirmed that tyres have indeed been burned at the Walvis Bay landfill, but not under any municipal authorisation. “This activity is being carried out illegally by individuals known to scavenge at the site, and not under any instruction or approval from the Municipality,” she stated.She further confirmed that the municipality has no record or evidence of Swakop Uranium or any third-party contractor affiliated with the mine disposing of tyres at the landfill.“No permits or agreements have been issued to allow the burning of tyres at the dumpsite,” Kaihiva said. “The burning of tyres is completely misaligned with the municipality’s environmental protection efforts. We are strongly opposed to these activities.”Eviction processThe municipality, in cooperation with the Namibian Police Force, has initiated site visits and instructed unauthorised individuals to cease all burning and illegal practices.Legal services have been engaged to begin an eviction process against those responsible.The incident has reignited public concern over pollution and waste management in Walvis Bay. Tyre burning releases toxic pollutants, posing serious health and environmental risks, including air contamination and soil degradation.In a related clarification, the municipality also noted that a recent fire at the dumpsite involved reeds and not tyres, according to a report from the Chief of Protection Services.

Swakop Uranium denies burning tyres at Walvis landfill

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Namibian Sun 2026-02-17

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Swakop Uranium denies burning tyres at Walvis landfill

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Namibian Sun 2026-02-17

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