The illegal mining of mica is believed to continue within the Dorob National Park in the Namib, despite a reported government investigation and fines issued earlier this year. Tourism operators, environmentalists and residents allege increasing environmental damage, lax enforcement and deliberate evasion in the licensing process allegedly linked to the exclusive prospecting licence (EPL) 10877. According to a reliable source, an investigation was carried out by the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism (MEFT) in February 2025. "A report was sent to the head office in March to senior officers and the environmental officer. Patrols were carried out in conjunction with the Ministries of Mines and Immigration. They received fines of N$14 000," the source told Network Media Hub (NMH). The source also indicated that a follow-up inspection of the area is planned. Despite this, several sources on the ground claim that illegal mining activities continue in the Goanikontes area, which forms part of the Dorob National Park - a declared protected area. A settlement of hundreds of people has been reported operating near the Swakop River, allegedly without permits or infrastructure. Heavy machinery, water tanks, tents and open-pit operations were observed, according to eyewitnesses. Allegations include environmental destruction, poaching, illegal firewood harvesting and pollution. "These people are looting everything," said one source familiar with the area. "They're polluting - it's dirty, very dirty. They bathe there, they defecate there and they just live out there and illegally destroy the place."