Chamwe Kaira
Andrada Mining Limited has completed construction of its second processing plant at the Uis mine in Erongo.
The jig plant was built on time and within budget, and commissioning is set to begin in the final week of August.
The new plant is expected to boost tin output significantly by adding more processing capacity.
Chief executive officer Anthony Viljoen said the completion of the jig plant on time and within budget is a smart, low-cost upgrade that will immediately boost Uis tin production on the completion of commissioning.
“The plant is a key milestone towards doubling production and positions Andrada well to capture the benefits of a robust and strengthening tin market.”
The jig plant sits next to the existing tin processing facility and has a modular design that allows for scalable expansion.
It operates independently, ensuring uninterrupted production at the primary plant. It is built for a nameplate capacity of 80 to 100 tonnes per hour, with the potential to process up to 40 000 tonnes of ore per month at a recovery rate of 70%.
Actual performance will be confirmed during commissioning.
Initial feedstock will come from nearby pegmatites with tin grades between 0.14% and 0.3%, as well as from stockpiles.
Andrada has also signed an agreement with Goantagab Mining to supply up to 20 000 tonnes of ore at a grade of 1.5% tin.
The company said the jig plant is an important step in improving tin output and overall cost efficiency.
All of Andrada’s assets are located in the Erongo region, which hosts deposits of base, technology, and precious metals, as well as nuclear fuels.
The company holds two mining licences, Uis (ML134) and Lithium Ridge (ML133), and one exploration licence, Brandberg West (EPL 5445).
