London-listed technology metals mining company Andrada Mining increased the tin concentrate production at its Uis mine, in Namibia, by 50% year-on-year to 359 t for the quarter ended June 30 – the first quarter of its 2024 financial year.

This resulted in a 42% increase in contained tin to 216 t.

The plant processing rate increased by 8% quarter-on-quarter to 135 t an hour and by 36% year-on-year, as the plant achieved steady-state production following the modular expansion during the quarter ended March 31.

The significantly higher year-on-year tonnage output resulted in comparatively lower cash costs and all-in sustaining costs (AISC).

The average C1 operating cash costs were below management guidance for the year of between $17 000/t and $20 000/t at $15 741/t.

The average C2 operating cash costs were also below guidance of between $20 000/t and $25 000/t, at $18 235/t.

AISC, at $21 377/t, was below guidance of between $25 000/t and $30 000/t.

Further, Andrada's mineral processing specialists produced the first saleable bulk lithium concentrate during the quarter under review.

Construction of an on-site bulk sampling pilot plant remains on budget and on time for completion at the end of June, with commissioning anticipated in July.

Andrada is exploring early lithium revenues during the second half of the 2023 calendar year through petalite production from the pilot plant at Uis.

“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 have demonstrated the ability to produce saleable lithium concentrate. 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. We have been encouraged by the level of interest from potential lithium partners globally and are confident of being able to conclude an attractive transaction for shareholders and broader stakeholders this year," says CEO Anthony Viljoen.