UK-based mining company Andrada Mining, whose operations reside in Namibia, has posted a record level of tin-in-concentrate production in the first quarter of 2023.
The company extracted 216 tonnes (t) of tin-in-concentrate volume in the first quarter of the year from its Uis mine in Namibia, representing a 42% year-on-year increase on last year’s 152t total. The period ending 31 May 2023 (Q1 2024) also saw a 50% increase in tin concentrate compared with the same quarter the previous year.
This has been attributed to the company’s processing plant operating at “record levels”. The plant processed 135 tonnes per hour (tph) in Q1 2024, a 36% increase on the previous year and 8% higher than the previous quarter. Despite the increase in costs as a result of the increased stripping ratio, Q1 2024’s production still came at a cost below the projected figures.
Anthony Viljoen, Andrada CEO, said of the results: “The milestones achieved during the quarter have laid the necessary foundation for the accelerated growth we expect for the balance of the financial year… We are pleased with the significant efficiencies achieved with the increased production of tin concentrate and the lower-than-expected cash cost increases [quarter on quarter].”
This will aid the tin industry, which is expecting a major shortfall with the coming suspension of mining operations in Myanmar’s Wa state.
The company also revealed that it is currently testing for potential lithium operations at the Uis project. The first bulk of lithium concentrate was produced by the company last month.
Viljoen explained: “The completion of our on-site bulk-sampling plant remains on track for completion this month and will expedite the metallurgical test work required to bring lithium revenues onstream. The ongoing strategic process to identify a partner for the lithium development is going well and will transform Andrada from being a fledging developer to a fully-fledged miner of technology metals.”
Viljoen also stated that the company is “confident” in its ability to secure investment for lithium uptake this year, stating the company had received “interest” from as-yet-unnamed parties.
