Andrada Mining Ltd on Monday said it has produced its first bulk lithium concentrate at its Uis project in Namibia.

The company, with a portfolio of mining and exploration assets in Namibia, labelled the development a ‘huge step’.

It noted the lithium concentrate came in the form of 85% pure petalite concentrate, indicating 4.2% lithium oxide.

‘Potential offtakers have indicated that this concentrate composition represents a desirable lithium product,’ Andrada said.

The concentrate produced will be used to carry out test work with these potential offtakers, including petalite conversion to lithium carbonate and lithium hydroxide.

The company added that its on-site pilot plant is on track to be completed during June, with commissioning expected to begin the following month. The plant will allow the firm to increase its production of lithium concentrate.

Chief Executive Officer Anthony Vilhoen said: ‘We are extremely pleased to announce the production of our first saleable bulk lithium concentrate. This milestone follows the previously reported successful laboratory scale test work and we believe it moves us one step closer to full-scale lithium production.

‘With the completion of the on-site pilot plant imminent, we intend to expedite bulk pilot test work on all our mineral licenses. Simultaneously, we plan to increase pilot-scale production of lithium concentrate for testing with potential offtakers to achieve initial lithium sales.’

Andrada shares rose 2.6% to 5.85 pence each in London on Monday morning.

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