AfriTin Mining Ltd (AIM:ATM, OTC:AFTTF) has released a positive update on its lithium and tantalum product development programme for its flagship Uis tin mine in Namibia.
One of the programme’s aims is to demonstrate the potential commercial viability of a lithium petalite concentrate co-product.
Lithium laboratory test work has produced a high-grade, ultra-low iron lithium petalite concentrate at 4.34% lithium oxide and low contaminants levels, said the AIM-traded company.
"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,” said AfriTin chief executive Anthony Viljoen in a statement.
The company has started larger, pilot-scale lithium metallurgical testing, which will also produce samples for potential off-takers, with first results expected in the first quarter of 2023.
AfriTin said discussions have already been initiated with potential lithium petalite concentrate off-takers.
“We look forward to establishing production of lithium petalite concentrate and initiating testing with potential off-takers 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,” said Viljoen.
Test work to convert the lithium petalite concentrate to battery-grade lithium hydroxide has been initiated with Nagrom, one of Australia's leading mineral processing companies, said AfriTin, adding that the first results from this laboratory metallurgical test work are expected in the third quarter of 2023.
By-product
AfriTin said it also plans to build a full-scale tantalum separation circuit to produce a tantalum concentrate by-product from existing tin output.
The integrated tantalum separation circuit is progressing to construction phase, with long lead items ordered and construction set to complete in the second quarter of 2023, said the AIM-traded miner, adding that first production of tantalum concentrate is expected by the third quarter of 2023.
AfriTin announced plans yesterday to change its name to Andrada Mining Limited to reflect the company's expanding lithium and tantalum resources alongside its existing tin production.
The company expects to announce an updated lithium and tantalum mineral resource estimate in the first quarter of 2023.
"We are excited to see our lithium product development programme progress on three fronts, namely updating the mineral resource estimate, commencement of lithium pilot-scale metallurgical testing, and taking the first steps to explore commercial engagements for lithium petalite concentrate offtake.
"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," said CEO Viljoen.
AfriTin also announced the appointment of Nicholas Rathjen as its Head of Business and Commercial Development to advance the commercial aspects of the company’s lithium and tantalum potential.