Andrada Mining Limited has announced a major advancement in its Namibian operations, securing a high-grade tin ore supply from the Goantagab deposit in the Kunene Region. The move is expected to significantly enhance tin concentrate throughput at the company’s flagship Uis mine and processing facility in the Erongo Region.
Goantagab, which was extensively explored in the 1980s by Gold Fields Namibia, contains a historically delineated non-JORC compliant resource of over two million tonnes with tin grades averaging 0.95% and in some zones reaching up to 1.75%. While these figures are not yet JORC-compliant, they point to strong upside potential. Grab samples as high as 17% tin have also been identified in untested zones.
Goantagab Mining Proprietary Limited, which has the rights to 18 mining claims in the region, will provide Andrada, through its subsidiary Uis Tin Mining Company (UTMC), with up to 240,000 tonnes of high-grade tin ore annually under the terms of the recently signed Ore Supply and Profit-Sharing Agreement.It is expected that this ore will have an average grade of 1.5%.
In order to facilitate this endeavor, UTMC has also entered into a Management Agreement to run a new jig facility at Uis with Birca Mining Namibia, the parent company of Goantagab Mining. With construction currently under way and commissioning anticipated in the second half of 2025, the 100-tonne-per-hour facility will play a crucial role in quickening the ramp-up of production.
Anthony Viljoen, CEO of Andrada Mining, called the partnership a critical milestone in expanding the company’s position in the global tin market. “The Goantagab collaboration reaffirms our strategy of establishing a major mining district for critical minerals in Namibia,” said Viljoen. “This is not just about mining it’s about doing so in harmony with the country’s rich biodiversity, tourism, and communities.”
He added that the agreement supports Andrada’s broader vision to become a leading producer of critical raw materials for the global energy transition. Tin, now recognised by the US, UK, and Canada as a critical mineral, plays a central role in semiconductors, soldering, and renewable infrastructure.
After it is up and running, the jig facility can process up to 40,000 tonnes of feedstock each month, which will be divided between material from the Uis mining license area and ore from Goantagab. At the current Uis site, interim processing has already started.
Additionally, Andrada obtained the option to purchase all of Goantagab Mining for USD 15 million, contingent on a number of requirements, such as the successful delivery of a minimum of 60,000 tonnes of ore, the conversion of mining claims into licenses, and the completion of environmental and social impact assessments.
In terms of profit-sharing, all net profits from Goantagab ore sales will initially go toward repaying debt related to the plant’s construction. Once settled, profits will be split 50-50 between UTMC and Goantagab Mining. If processed through the Uis facility, the split will adjust to 60% for UTMC and 40% for Birca.
Despite historical environmental concerns around parts of the Goantagab claims, Andrada is engaging proactively with stakeholders and remains confident in finding an appropriate resolution without disrupting short-term ore supply.
Additionally, the business has reaffirmed its commitment to sustainability. In the Goantagab region, all 18 mining claims are registered and in possession of current Environmental Clearance Certificates. Andrada is revising its sustainability strategy to focus on biodiversity conservation, sustainable tourism, job creation, and long-term environmental stewardship.
This strategic partnership underscores Andrada’s growing influence in Namibia’s critical minerals sector and positions the company for a larger role in the global energy transition value chain.