Since its inception, Andrada Mining Limited has made impressive progress in unlocking the vast potential of Namibia’s exciting mineral wealth. With an initial focus on tin, lithium, and tantalum, the company has steadily expanded its footprint and output. Andrada is currently ramping up its tin production profile and developing best in class strategic partnerships to strengthen Namibia’s position, as a leading global destination for critical mineral investment. The past 12 months have been especially transformative. In September 2024, Andrada signed a lithium exploration agreement with SQM, a global leader in the lithium industry. The company also expanded processing capacity at their flagship Uis Mine, located in the Erongo region, and launched an exciting exploration programme at the Brandberg West licence, yielding impressive results.
Unlocking Lithium Potential with a Global Partner
In a major milestone for Namibia’s lithium ambitions, Andrada entered into a strategic earn-in agreement with SQM, through its subsidiary SQM Australia (Pty) Ltd . This partnership, the first African partnership that SQM has entered into, centres on the Lithium Ridge licence, a 3,300 hectare, fully permitted area located approximately 35 km from the Uis Mine. The licence hosts multiple spodumene-bearing pegmatites alongside tin and tantalum. Exploration by Andrada in 2023 confirmed consistent lithium mineralisation along a 6 km strike, with grades of up to 2.13% Li₂O. In July 2025, the partnership excitingly commenced the first phase of its exploration drilling programme. This phase will focus on building a comprehensive geological understanding of the resource, which will guide the next steps in development.
At the signing of the partnership agreement the CEO’s of Andrada and SQM remarked:
Anthony Viljoen, Andrada CEO, commented:
“We are incredibly pleased to announce our partnership with SQM, a global leader in the lithium industry and to be part of the first African partnership that SQM has entered. This partnership solidifies our belief in our Lithium Ridge asset as a potential world-class resource and expands Andrada to a multi asset, polymetallic mine developer.”
“This partnership aligns perfectly with our strategic objectives, enabling us to develop our neighbouring lithium assets, and accelerate exploration initiatives.”
“The introduction of a substantial player in the global lithium market will also place Namibia at the forefront of the African lithium development trajectory and unlock value for the Namibian mining industry.”
Mark Fones, SQM International Lithium division CEO, commented:
“We are excited to announce the completion of this agreement, which confirms our commitment on finding the best lithium assets in the world that efficiently diversify our portfolio. Namibia is among the top mining jurisdictions in the region, and we are pleased to begin exploration with a proven partner like Andrada Mining.”
Developing Uis into a Critical Minerals Hub for Tin and Beyond
Andrada, through its subsidiary Uis Tin Mining Company (UTMC), recently finalised an Ore Supply and Profit Share Agreement with Goantagab Mining, securing access to high-grade ore from claims in the Kunene region. At the same time, Birca Mining Namibia, Goantagab’s parent company, has been appointed as operator of an additional processing plant at Uis. This collaboration strengthens the Uis operation by not only providing high-grade feedstock (averaging 1.5% tin) but also expanding the processing capacity, initiating a rapid production ramp-up programme.
Andrada CEO, Anthony Viljoen,
reflected on the broader significance:
“At Andrada, we have always recognised Namibia’s immense potential. Not just for its abundant mineral resources, but also as a stable, investment-friendly country committed to sustainable development. With tin increasingly acknowledged as a critical mineral by global economies, it is exciting to see Namibia playing an expanding role in the energy transition.”
He added that the Goantagab deposit could be globally competitive in terms of grade and scale, and the newly commissioned processing plant at Uis will increase significantly, Andrada’s contribution to global tin supply.
Brandberg West: Revisiting a legacy asset
At the historic Brandberg West licence, Andrada has reignited exploration on a site that previously produced over 12,000 tonnes of tin and tungsten concentrate. Located about 110 km from Uis Mine and covering 35,000 hectares, the licence forms a key part of Andrada’s diversification strategy through the introduction of copper and tungsten. In 2024, maiden drilling by Andrada confirmed high-grade mineralisation that continues along strike. Standout results included grades of 10.55% tin, 3.53% tungsten, and 1.95% copper, highlighting the area’s multi-metal potential. These results will contribute into an updated geological model, supporting follow-up programmes to define the full potential of the licence.
Namibia: A Leading Destination for Critical Minerals Investment
Andrada’s achievements are more than just milestones for the company. They reflect Namibia’s growing appeal as a reliable and investor-friendly mining destination. In an era where demand for critical minerals is surging, Namibia stands out for its geological potential, regulatory stability, and commitment to responsible mining.
With active projects in tin, lithium, tantalum, tungsten, and copper, Andrada is proud to contribute to Namibia’s emergence as a key player in the global green energy transition. The country’s vast mineral endowment, combined with progressive partnerships and supportive governance, continues to attract global investors looking for the next frontier of sustainable mining.
Contributed by Andrada Mining
