Andrada Tantalum Concentrate Output Doubles in 2024/25

Andrada Tantalum

Andrada Mining's tantalum concentrate production rose by 100% year-on-year, marking a major boost in Namibia’s critical mineral output.

Tantalum Production Surges on Reprocessing Gains

Namibia-based Andrada Mining doubled its tantalum concentrate output to 50.6 tonnes in its fiscal year ending 2024/25. Contained tantalum reached 5.4 tonnes, with recovery improving to 4.5% through the reprocessing of previously produced concentrate. The sharp increase signals Andrada’s maturing capacity in extracting strategic metals from its Uis mine operations.

Meanwhile, Andrada’s 12-month supply deal with AfriMet ended, and the company is now evaluating new long-term offtake agreements.

Lithium and Tin Projects Expand Global Reach

Andrada’s tin concentrate production increased modestly by 2.2% year-on-year, totaling 1,507 tonnes. In parallel, its pilot lithium facility produced 128 tonnes of petalite, expanding its footprint in battery-grade minerals. In February, the company shipped its first lithium bulk sample to Japan, marking progress in global qualification efforts.

Also in February, Andrada received clearance from the Namibian Competition Commission for a strategic lithium partnership with SQM. This deal enables joint development of the Ridge Asset, which contains lithium-rich pegmatites also bearing tin and tantalum.

The Metalnomist Commentary

Andrada’s evolution from a tin miner to a multi-mineral critical metals producer reflects Namibia’s rising role in global mineral diversification. Its push into lithium and tantalum, backed by partners like SQM, positions it well in the global clean energy supply chain.

Namibia Approves SQM’s $40M Lithium Investment in Lithium Ridge Project

Sociedad Química y Minera(SQM)

Chile’s SQM Joins Andrada to Accelerate Namibia’s Critical Mineral Development

Namibia’s Competition Commission (NaCC) has officially approved the strategic partnership between Chile’s SQM (Sociedad Química y Minera de Chile) and Namibia-based Andrada Mining, granting the final green light for the development of the Lithium Ridge project. This regulatory clearance paves the way for SQM to acquire up to a 50% stake in the project by fully funding up to $40 million in exploration activities and the completion of a definitive feasibility study (DFS).

Lithium Ridge Positioned as Key Regional Critical Minerals Asset

Located in Namibia’s Erongo region, Lithium Ridge contains pegmatites rich in lithium, tin, and tantalum, all of which are essential for electric vehicles (EVs), battery energy storage systems (BESS), and advanced electronics. With surging global demand for these materials, the project is positioned to become a strategic asset in Africa’s growing critical minerals economy.

The collaboration gives SQM access to high-grade mineral assets outside its traditional Latin American base, while Andrada gains global expertise and the financial backing necessary to scale development. Together, the companies aim to unlock the full value of Lithium Ridge and establish Namibia as a stable and significant supplier in the battery supply chain.

Namibia’s Role Grows in the Global Energy Transition

This deal comes as governments and industries increasingly look to diversify raw material sourcing amid geopolitical uncertainty. SQM’s planned investment and operational involvement reflect both confidence in Namibia’s regulatory framework and recognition of the country’s vast untapped mineral potential.

For Andrada Mining, the partnership is also a validation of its long-term strategy to lead in Namibian critical raw materials development. As SQM and Andrada move forward, the Lithium Ridge project is expected to deliver regional economic benefits while supplying global markets with responsibly sourced lithium and associated metals.

Andrada Boosts Tantalum Production, Expands Lithium Operations

Andrada

Namibia-based Andrada Mining has made significant strides in its tantalum and lithium production efforts. On 26 September, the company reported an increase in tantalum output and the commencement of petalite concentrate sales, which are part of its broader strategy to expand lithium production. At the Uis mine in west-central Namibia, Andrada has installed a tantalum circuit and ramped up production, shipping 15 tons of tantalum concentrate with a grade of 10.8% tantalum pentoxide (Ta2O5) to AfriMet, a commodity trading firm. This is an improvement from the 9 tons produced in the previous quarter, under a one-year offtake agreement set to expire on 1 January 2025.

Expanding Lithium Opportunities

Alongside tantalum production, Andrada has been advancing its lithium operations by producing high-purity petalite concentrate as part of an off-site pilot program. This concentrate will undergo further testing to explore its potential for conversion into lithium carbonate and lithium hydroxide. Andrada has already made a one-off sale of 5 tons of petalite concentrate, grading over 4% Li₂O, to a ceramic producer.

In a major strategic move, Andrada has partnered with Chilean lithium giant SQM to develop the Lithium Ridge asset in Namibia. The partnership allows SQM to fund exploration and a feasibility study for the project, while Andrada retains operational control during this period.

Andrada also reported stable tin production during the three months ending in August, producing 239 tons of tin.