Namibian Mining News The Professional Mining Journal
Related Articles
Andrada Mining is strengthening its position in Namibia’s emerging lithium and critical minerals landscape, securing fresh funding for its Uis mine while advancing high-grade lithium exploration at its Lithium Ridge project.
The company has secured N$98 million (approximately £4.4 million) in long-term funding through loan facilities from Bank Windhoek and Development Bank of Namibia.
The financing, split into two equal tranches, will be channelled through its subsidiary, Uis Tin Mining Company and complements an $11 million equity raise completed earlier this year. Together, the funding package provides a fully financed pathway to scale operations at the Uis Mine. Planned upgrades include ore sorting integration, expanded crushing capacity and accelerated stripping activities, which are key steps toward increasing concentrate production without further shareholder dilution.
The company’s Chief Executive Officer Anthony Viljoen noted that the funding reflects strong domestic institutional support, signalling confidence in Namibia’s ability to develop large-scale, locally anchored mining projects. Parallel to this, Andrada has completed an expanded drilling programme at its Lithium Ridge project, undertaken in partnership with SQM. The programme was increased by 18% to approximately 16,500 metres across 143 drill holes, aimed at defining the scale and continuity of the mineralised pegmatite system.
Initial assay results from 15% of the drilling confirm consistent high-grade lithium mineralisation, with standout intersections of up to 3.02% lithium oxide (Li₂O). Viljoen described these results as “exceptional by any global standard.” Beyond lithium, the presence of tin and tantalum within the same pegmatites introduces valuable polymetallic upside, enhancing the project’s long-term economic potential. While only a portion of assay results has been received, the remaining 85% is expected to drive sustained news flow in the coming months. Each batch of results will refine the geological model and inform future resource estimates, shaping the next phase of development.
The combination of near-term production growth at Uis and high-grade exploration upside at Lithium Ridge positions Andrada within a critical segment of the global energy transition supply chain. Lithium demand, driven by electric vehicles, battery storage and renewable energy systems, continues to elevate the strategic importance of assets capable of delivering both scale and quality. In a market increasingly defined by capital discipline and technical credibility, Andrada’s dual-track approach of strengthening existing operations while advancing a potentially world-class lithium asset signals a deliberate move to capture long-term value in Africa’s evolving mining sector.
