Mining operations will pose a direct threat to critically endangered black rhinos in an area south-west of Khorixas. This is detailed in an urgent application filed at the Windhoek High Court by two communal conservancies, a traditional authority and a tourism operator. Black rhinos in the area will be under increased threat of poaching or migrate out of the area if plans to start mining operations go ahead, the Doro !Nawas and Ûibasen Twyfelfontein conservancies, the ≠Aodaman Traditional Authority and the company Ultimate Safaris claimed in an urgent application filed on Friday. They also claimed that the issuing of mining claims in a well known rhino range area is a direct contradiction of Namibia’s national strategy on wildlife protection and law enforcement and a national policy on prospecting and mining in protected areas signed by environment, forestry and tourism minister Pohamba Shifeta and mines and energy minister Tom Alweendo in 2018. The Doro !Nawas and Ûibasen Twyfelfontein conservancies, the ≠Aodaman Traditional Authority and Ultimate Safaris are asking the court to issue an interdict prohibiting any mining activities on 10 mining claims situated south-west of Khorixas and north west of Uis. They are also asking the court to prohibit the use of heavy machinery to construct a new road from the D2612 road to the west, to the site of the 10 mining claims held by a Windhoek resident, Ottilie Ndimulunde.