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Mineral Deposit Retention Licence (MDRL) Guide: How to Hold a Promising Discovery in Namibia Without Immediate Mining Obligations
This guide explains everything you need to know about the Mineral Deposit Retention Licence in Namibia: what they are, who qualifies, how to apply, costs, duration, obligations, and how to transition from exploration to mining. You’ve found something valuable during exploration, a promising mineral deposit.. but you’re not ready to mine yet. You need time to conduct further studies, secure funding, negotiate partnerships, or wait for better market conditions. That’s exactly what the Mineral Deposit Retention Licence (MDRL) is designed for.
What is a Mineral Deposit Retention Licence (MDRL)?
Under the Minerals (Prospecting and Mining) Act, 1992 (administered by the Ministry of Mines and Energy – MME), an MDRL allows you to retain exclusive rights over a proven mineral deposit without the immediate obligation to develop and mine it.
Key features:
- Purpose: “Bank” a discovery while you prepare for commercial mining
- Exclusive rights: No one else can apply for a mining licence over the same deposit during the MDRL term
- Duration: Initial term of 5 years (renewable for another 5 years with justification)
- No mining allowed: Only limited work to maintain the deposit and gather data
- Prerequisite: You must already hold (or have held) an Exclusive Prospecting Licence (EPL) or equivalent rights over the area
MDRLs are especially useful for:
- Uranium, lithium, rare earths, and other critical minerals with long development timelines
- Companies waiting for commodity price recovery
- Projects needing major infrastructure or offtake agreements
Who Can Apply for an Mineral Deposit Retention Licence in Namibia?
- Holders of an existing or recently expired EPL who have discovered a viable deposit
- Namibian citizens or foreign-registered companies (must have a legal entity in Namibia via BIPA)
- Foreign applicants: 100% foreign ownership is allowed in most cases, but you must first register a Namibian company or Close Corporation
We handle full remote BIPA registration — the essential first step before any MME application.
Current packages (inc. VAT):
- Close Corporation (CC) Registration → N$3,850.00
- Private Company (PTY Ltd) Registration → N$14,450.00
- Other Entity Registration → N$9,950.00
Requirements for an Mineral Deposit Retention Licence Application in Namibia
To qualify, you must demonstrate:
- A proven mineral deposit (JORC, NI 43-101, or SAMREC-compliant resource estimate)
- The deposit is economically viable in the long term (pre-feasibility study or similar)
- You have technical and financial capability to eventually develop it
- An approved Environmental Management Plan (EMP) or updated EIA (via MEFT)
- A work programme showing ongoing evaluation or maintenance activities
- Beneficial ownership details
Step-by-Step: How to Apply for an Mineral Deposit Retention Licence in Namibia
This guide explains everything you need to know about how to apply for the Mineral Deposit Retention Licence in Namibia
Hold or Have Held an EPL
You must have discovered the deposit under an Exclusive Prospecting Licence.
Register a Namibian Legal Entity (if not already done)
Foreign applicants need BIPA registration first. Use our remote service (7–14 days).
→ View current packages
Prepare Application Documents
1.) Completed MDRL application form (from MME)
2.) Resource estimate report (JORC/NI 43-101/SAMREC)
3.) Pre-feasibility study or economic assessment
4.) Updated EMP/EIA (approved by MEFT)
5.) Proof of technical/financial capability
6.) Proposed work programme for the retention period
7.) BO declaration
8.) Application fee receipt
Submit to MME
Lodge at the Mineral Rights & Resources Division (Windhoek or regional offices).
→ Official MME site: https://www.mme.gov.na/
Pay Fees
Application fee: N$25,000
Annual retention fee: Based on area and mineral type
No royalties until mining starts
Receive Approval
Processing time: 3–9 months (backlogs common — use consultants).
Initial term: 5 years (renewable once for 5 more years with justification).
What Can You Do Under a Mineral Deposit Retention Licence in Namibia?
- Conduct limited evaluation work (further drilling, metallurgical testing, feasibility studies)
- Maintain the site (rehabilitation, security)
- Negotiate offtake agreements, financing, or partnerships
- Prepare for mining licence application
Prohibited: Actual mining, bulk sampling, or commercial extraction.
Limitations & Next Steps
- Must show ongoing evaluation during the term (annual reports required)
- Renewals not automatic — you need to prove continued viability and progress
- When ready to mine: Apply for a Mining Licence (ML) with full bankable feasibility study and EIA
- Consider investment support via the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB): https://nipdb.com/
Ready to Secure Your Mineral Deposit Retention Licence in Namibia?
The first step is a registered Namibian entity — we handle it remotely and fast.
Current Packages (inc. VAT):
- Close Corporation (CC) → N$3,850.00
- Private Company (PTY Ltd) → N$14,450.00
- NGO / Church → N$9,950.00
- Other Entity → N$9,950.00
Contact us for a free consultation — we’ll get your company set up and ready for your MDRL application.