Andrada begins production of lithium concentrate from Namibian mine
Andrada Mining, a mining company, has announced the commencement of lithium concentrate production at its Nai-Nais mine in Uis, Namibia.
The company produced high-purity petalite concentrate as part of an off-site pilot test program to explore the metallurgical potential of the pegmatites found in the Nai-Nais mine. The initial bulk lithium concentrate produced at the site using a dense medium separation (DMS) process yielded 0.5 tonnes of petalite concentrate. The petalite concentrate is estimated to be 85% pure, with an assayed lithium oxide percentage of 4.16%.
The purpose of the concentrate is to conduct test work with potential off-takers, which includes converting petalite into lithium carbonate and lithium hydroxide. In March 2023, Andrada initiated the pilot test program, which involved bulk sampling and pilot processing. The South African mineral processing solutions provider, Bond Equipment, carried out the DMS processing of the bulk samples from the mine.
Target production
The concentrate contains iron (Fe₂O₃), believed to be a byproduct of the ferrosilicon used in the DMS process. Andrada Mining recognizes this as a contaminant and is considering further reduction through magnetic separation.
CEO Anthony Viljoen expressed satisfaction with the production of the company’s first saleable bulk lithium concentrate, considering it a significant milestone that brings them closer to full-scale lithium production. Viljoen also mentioned plans to expedite bulk pilot test work on all mineral licenses and increase pilot-scale production of lithium concentrate for testing with potential off-takers, aiming to achieve initial lithium sales.
Additionally, Andrada Mining is constructing an on-site lithium bulk sampling pilot plant, which is expected to be completed the following month. The plant will include crushing, screening, and DMS capabilities, as well as a gravity separation circuit. Once operational, it will facilitate the bulk pilot test work and increase lithium concentrate production. The pilot plant has a targeted minimum annual production of 2,400 tonnes, with a maximum target of 10,000 tonnes. Andrada Mining expects to earn between $5 million and $20 million based on lithium oxide concentrations of 4%.
