The Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism (MEFT) has officially granted an Environmental Clearance Certificate (ECC) to Green Metals Refining (GMR) for the development of a manganese refinery and sulphuric acid plant in Walvis Bay, Namibia. The approval, finalized on October 9, 2026, marks a significant milestone for the project, which aims to position Namibia as a key player in the global green energy supply chain.
The planned facility is slated for development on Farm 58 in Walvis Bay. According to project proponents, the refinery is designed to produce high-purity manganese chemicals, which are essential components for the manufacturing of lithium-ion batteries. As the automotive and energy sectors shift rapidly toward electric vehicles and renewable energy storage, the demand for battery-grade materials has surged, prompting a global race to secure sustainable and efficient production methods.
The Ministry’s decision follows a rigorous evaluation process. Before granting the ECC, the MEFT conducted a comprehensive review of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and the accompanying Environmental Management Plan (EMP) submitted by GMR. These documents are critical regulatory instruments that outline the potential environmental and social consequences of the industrial activity, as well as the mitigation strategies the developer must implement to minimize their footprint.
GMR has stated that the facility aims to provide a “low-cost” route for manganese processing, a factor the company believes will enhance Namibia’s competitiveness in the international minerals market. By establishing refining infrastructure locally, the project seeks to add value to Namibia’s raw mineral exports rather than relying solely on the shipping of unprocessed ores, aligning with national industrialization policies.
However, the inclusion of a sulphuric acid plant within the project scope often draws close scrutiny from environmental regulators and local stakeholders. Sulphuric acid is a vital reagent in the chemical processing of metals, yet its storage and production require stringent safety protocols to prevent environmental contamination and protect public health. The EMP approved by the Ministry is expected to mandate strict monitoring of air quality, groundwater protection, and hazardous material management to address these industrial risks.
The choice of Walvis Bay for this facility leverages the town’s existing status as a primary logistics hub. The proximity to the Port of Walvis Bay provides a strategic advantage for both the importation of raw materials and the exportation of finished chemical products. Furthermore, proponents argue that the project will stimulate regional economic growth through job creation, infrastructural investment, and the integration of Namibian industry into the high-tech green energy sector.
As GMR prepares to move into the construction and operational phases, the company remains subject to the conditions laid out in the ECC. These conditions typically include periodic environmental audits, ongoing compliance monitoring by government officials, and the requirement for transparent reporting on environmental performance. The Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism is expected to maintain oversight throughout the project’s lifecycle to ensure that the economic benefits of the refinery do not come at the cost of Namibia’s ecological integrity or the wellbeing of the Walvis Bay community.
The approval of the GMR refinery signals a broader trend in Namibia’s mineral sector, where the government is increasingly prioritizing value addition and sustainable processing technologies to meet the shifting demands of a global economy undergoing a green transition.
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