Aim-listed AfriTin Mining’s lithium product development programme has progressed on three fronts, namely updating the mineral resource estimate (MRE), starting lithium pilot scale metallurgical testing and taking the first steps to explore commercial engagements for lithium petalite concentrate offtake, CEO Anthony Viljoen says.

The object of the programme is to demonstrate the potential commercial viability of a lithium petalite concentrate co-product from the Uis mine, in Namibia, and provide samples for potential offtake partners, while simultaneously derisking the development of a commercial-scale processing plant for lithium.

Moreover, the programme also includes the implementation of a full-scale tantalum separation circuit to produce a tantalum concentrate by-product from the tantalum contained in the existing tin concentrate product.

MILESTONES ACHIEVED

Lithium laboratory test work has produced a high-grade, ultra-low iron lithium petalite concentrate at 4.34% Li₂O and low contaminants levels of 0.03% Fe₂O₃ and 0.93% alkalis (Na₂O + K₂O).

Test work to convert lithium petalite concentrate to battery-grade lithium hydroxide has been initiated with Australian mineral processing company Nagrom.

Commercial engagements with lithium petalite concentrate offtakers have been initiated.

The infill exploration drilling programme for lithium and tantalum over V1/V2 orebody is now complete.

Tantalum laboratory test work produced a saleable 24% tantalum oxide (Ta₂O₅) concentrate.

Nicholas Rathjen has been appointed as head of business and commercial development to advance the commercial aspects of AfriTin’s lithium and tantalum potential.

NEXT STEPS

Larger, pilot-scale lithium metallurgical testing, which will also produce samples for potential offtakers, has started, with first results expected in the first quarter.

First results from laboratory metallurgical test work with Nagrom to produce battery-grade lithium hydroxide are expected in the third quarter.

A lithium pilot plant, intended for processing bulk ore samples at Uis, is progressing to construction phase, with long lead items ordered. Construction is scheduled to be completed in the second quarter.

An updated lithium and tantalum MRE for lithium and tantalum is expected in the first quarter following final infill drilling results.

A full-scale, integrated tantalum separation circuit is progressing to construction phase, with long lead items ordered and construction scheduled to complete in the second quarter. First production of tantalum concentrate is expected by the third quarter.

“The excellent laboratory test result of a high-grade, ultra-low iron petalite gives us the confidence to advance to the pilot phase of our lithium product development programme.

“We look forward to establishing production of lithium petalite concentrate and initiating testing with potential offtakers in the glassware and ceramics market, for whom petalite is a key raw material, as well as with producers of lithium hydroxide and lithium carbonate for the battery market,” Viljoen says.

He informs that, in addition to lithium, AfriTin is moving ahead with the construction of a tantalum separation circuit, which will be integrated with the existing tin concentrator plant. The new circuit will magnetically separate tantalum minerals from the existing tin concentrate stream into a second saleable concentrate.

“The company is fully focussed on unlocking early value for its stakeholders through fast-tracking the development programme towards production. We believe that the addition of lithium and tantalum by-products will confirm the company as a globally significant, high-margin producer of technology metals,” Viljoen comments.