IPC MP Roderick Likando questioned whether the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform had lifted the moratorium which was supported by the founding president to oppose phosphate mining in the country.

Phosphate mining may go ahead following an approved environmental clearance, but a researcher says strong monitoring will be critical to protecting Namibia's marine environment.

Hundreds of people in Walvis Bay have petitioned the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism (MEFT) to reconsider the environmental approval for marine phosphate mining.

Namibia has approved environmental clearance for marine phosphate mining about 120 kilometres southwest of Walvis Bay.