Namibian Marine Phosphate (NMP) is a Namibian registered joint venture company, the shareholders of which are Mawarid Mining LLC from Oman and Namibian company Havana Investments (PTY) Ltd.

NMP is developing the world class Sandpiper phosphate project located off the coast of Namibia.

Phosphates, Phosphorus, Fertiliser and Food

Phosphates are the naturally occurring form of the element phosphorus.

Most phosphate is mined in North America, China, Morocco, the Middle East and Oceania. These suppliers face significantly increased demand given the worldwide increase in food production, the loss of arable land to urban sprawl, desertification, climate variability and growing populations.

In 2008, scientists from Sydney's University of Technology and Sweden's Linköping University warned that phosphorus supply could peak in 30 years' time, with reserves exhausted in 50 to 100 years. This would have a severe impact on the world's food supply because phosphorus is an essential element for fertiliser, and effective fertiliser is the only way to increase crop yields when the supply of land is fixed.

Benefits of the Project

NMP is developing a world class phosphate project, which will establish Namibia as a premier rock phosphate producer in the global market.

There is potential to establish future downstream processing of NMP's beneficiated phosphate into higher value phosphorous and compound fertilisers of the resource, particularly for the production of fertiliser. Local production of phosphate will help to secure agricultural productivity and food security in Namibia and the region, as well as elsewhere in the world.

The project will contribute to national and regional growth through employment, royalties and tax revenues. Direct permanent employment will be created, as well as indirect jobs in supporting services. These will include short-term employment during construction and the opportunity for capacity development and training.