Andrada Mining Ltd (AIM:ATM, OTC:AFTTF) has reported its first batch of drill results from an initial scout programme at the Lithium Ridge (ML133) area in Namibia.
The Lithium Ridge is located some 35 kilometres from the company’s Uis mine and is in the vicinity of the former TinTan tin and tantalum mine.
Drilling followed up a programme of sampling and results to date indicate that target lithium-containing pegmatites continue at depth – confirming prior surface indications.
These analytical results confirm the presence of significant lithium mineralisation within multiple pegmatites, Andrada told investors.
"These initial results further highlight the mineral potential of our mining licenses and the Erongo region in general," chief executive Anthony Viljoen said in a statement.
“We have found high-grade mineralisation within all our license areas over the last 12 months with indications that there is more to be found at depth.
“This first batch of results confirms lithium mineralisation along a 4-kilometre strike, and we anticipate that the second batch will show similar results as per the results from the channel samples over the remaining 2 kilometres.
“These results indicate intersections at higher lithium grades than those recorded at Uis and are commensurate to similar hard-rock resources globally.”
Viljoen added: "Andrada has already produced a saleable petalite concentrate on a pilot scale from Lithium Ridge suitable for the industrial and technical markets.
“With the commissioning of the lithium pilot plant at Uis Mine being finalised, we are evaluating various options to expedite lithium production."
All drill holes included in the first batch of results intersected mineralised pegmatites with significant lithium concentrations.
Notable intersections ranged from 11 metres (m) to 35m with Li2O percentages between 1.05% to 2.13%, covering a strike distance of over 4 km. More detailed drill results are available in the company’s statement.