The Otjivalunda Salt Pans are located north of the Etosha National Park, approximately 100 km south of Oshakati (Error! Not a valid bookmark self-reference.). These ephemeral lakes contain a solid layer of various sodium salts beneath the surface. The resource is estimated to be 5.2 million tons in extent, with a mine life of more than 50 years. Several mining licences have been issued over the area from 1922 to 1991. Recognizing the potential of this resource, Gecko Namibia entered into a joint venture with the Ondondga and Uukwambi Traditional Authorities, which are responsible for the area, to establish Onganga-Uukwambi Mining Enterprises (OUME). In 2010, the Ministry of Mines and Energy approved the Exclusive Prospecting Licence (EPL 4365) of OUME. Under this licence, OUME is authorized to do prospecting activities to verify the quantity and quality of the resource.