Aim-listed Andrada Mining has started implementing an ore sorting circuit at the Uis mine, in Namibia, to increase tin concentrate production from 1 500 t/y to 2 600 t/y.

This is expected to result in an increase in revenue of up to 75% and a reduction in the all-in sustaining costs of the mining operation.

The company is also in the process of optimising a tantalum circuit at Uis, with the first shipment of concentrate from the existing circuit having been sent to Afrimet Resources this month.

Andrada produces about 48 t/y of tantalum concentrate at current run rates, which will increase to 83 t/y following the optimisation.

Tantalum revenue is expected to make up between 3% and 5% of the company’s total revenue in due course.

Meanwhile, Andrada has been producing consistent technical-grade petalite concentrate from a lithium pilot plant installed in the fourth quarter of last year. The company is accumulating a concentrate stockpile while sales into the specialty glass and ceramics markets are under way.

Further development test work to supply the lithium battery market is also under way. The company is targeting market share across the entire lithium value chain.

Andrada will convert petalite into battery chemicals for long-term supply opportunities.

The company plans to integrate the entire lithium circuit into the current operations, with initial production of 30 000 t/y of technical-grade petalite concentrate expected.

“While Andrada focusses on achieving its ultimate goal of unlocking the scale potential of its deposits, the short-term goal of maximising revenues from current operations remains key to providing free cash flow for the organisation, while simultaneously derisking the flow sheet.

“The expansion of tin production will enable Andrada to align with its royalty obligations, while the commercial production of tantalum will fulfil a supply agreement with Afrimet,” explains CEO Anthony Viljoen.

Andrada also continues to progress exploration drilling programmes to expand the size and scope of all its mineral resources.