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| Andrada |
Namibia-based Andrada Mining is accelerating its production of tantalum and lithium, making notable progress in both areas. On 26 September, the company announced a rise in tantalum output and the initiation of petalite concentrate sales, aiming to support future lithium production. At the Uis mine in west-central Namibia, Andrada installed a tantalum circuit and increased production to 15 tons of tantalum concentrate with a grade of 10.8% tantalum pentoxide (Ta2O5). This marks a significant improvement over the 9 tons produced in the previous quarter, part of a one-year offtake agreement that ends on 1 January 2025.
In addition to boosting tantalum output, Andrada is focusing on its lithium operations. The company has produced high-purity petalite concentrate as part of a pilot program designed to assess the potential for converting the concentrate into lithium carbonate and lithium hydroxide. Andrada has already completed a one-time sale of 5 tons of petalite concentrate, grading more than 4% Li₂O, to a ceramic manufacturer.
In a broader strategic move, Andrada has teamed up with Chilean lithium leader SQM to develop the Lithium Ridge project in Namibia. Under the agreement, SQM will provide funding for exploration and a feasibility study, while Andrada retains management control during this phase.
Andrada also reported steady tin production, delivering 239 tons of tin from June to August.
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RAREMETAL
