Unprocessed lithium ore belonging to Xingfeng Investment, estimated to be about 90,000 metric tonnes, has been deposited at the Walvis Bay harbour in the past week.

This is despite the Ministry of Mines and Energy indicating that Xingfeng does not possess a removal or transport permit for lithium.

When nbc News arrived at the Walvis Bay port, a heap of unprocessed lithium ore estimated to be about 90,000 metric tonnes was visible.