Mineral and petroleum exploitation inevitably result in pollution and environmental degradation.1 The environmental aspects of mineral and petroleum exploitation are therefore important components of any regulatory framework for mineral and petroleum resources. The environmental aspects of the mining and energy sectors in Namibia are dealt with in terms of various pieces of legislation. The relevant Acts regulating specific resources – the Minerals (Prospecting and Mining) Act No. 33 of 1992 ('Minerals Act') in respect of minerals and the Petroleum (Exploration and Production) Act No. 2 of 1991 ('Petroleum Act') in respect of petroleum – deal to some extent with environmental obligations in respect of minerals and petroleum. However, in February 2012 the Environmental Management Act No. 7 of 2007 came into operation and now provides for a general framework for environmental authorisations.