In a strategic push to cement Namibia’s role in the global green energy transition, Andrada Mining Limited has unveiled ambitious plans to expand its footprint in the mineral-rich Erongo region, targeting new tin, tantalum, and lithium mines. The London-listed company, already a key player in Namibia’s critical minerals sector, aims to leverage the region’s “phenomenal geology” to scale production and establish itself as a champion of polymetallic mining.
Andrada CEO Anthony Viljoen, in an exclusive interview, expressed unwavering confidence in Namibia’s potential, both as an investment hub and a geological treasure trove. “We’ve always been bullish on Namibia,” Viljoen said. “The Erongo region is blessed with world-class mineral systems, and our success at Uis is just the beginning. We’re now focused on opening more mines and solidifying our position as a critical minerals leader.”
The company’s flagship Uis mine, once the largest hard-rock opencast tin operation globally, is poised for a revival. Recent drilling within a 3 km radius of the existing plant has revealed extensive pegmatites rich in tin, lithium oxide, and tantalum—a trifecta of metals essential for renewable energy technologies. Viljoen highlighted plans to resurrect adjacent pits historically mined by Iscor, emphasizing the potential for concurrent production without disrupting current operations. “The Uis area isn’t just about tin anymore. The polymetallic nature of these orebodies allows us to produce lithium and tantalum as high-value co-products, diversifying revenue streams,” he noted.
This expansion is already underway. In February, Andrada secured a $2.5 million loan to construct a second tin processing plant at Uis, featuring advanced crushing, jigging, and shaking table circuits designed to handle varying ore grades. The move follows the successful monthly shipment of tantalum—a metal critical for electronics—extracted alongside tin concentrate, which Viljoen described as a “game-changer” for profitability.
Beyond Uis, Andrada’s Lithium Ridge project has emerged as a focal point. Spanning 3,300 hectares in the NaiNais–Kohero pegmatite belt, the site boasts continuous lithium, tin, and tantalum mineralization along a 6 km strike. A partnership with Chilean lithium giant SQM is set to accelerate exploration, with spodumene—the primary lithium-bearing mineral—dominant across the licence area. “Lithium Ridge represents a strategic leap into the battery metals market,” Viljoen said. “Collaborating with SQM gives us the technical firepower to fast-track development.”
The expansion aligns with global demand for green transition metals. Tin, used in solder for solar panels and EVs, and lithium, the backbone of batteries, are projected to see sustained growth as nations pivot from fossil fuels. Tantalum, vital for capacitors in smartphones and electric vehicles, further enhances Andrada’s market agility.
For Namibia, the ripple effects could be transformative. The Uis mine alone has already created jobs and injected capital into local economies, with Viljoen pledging to prioritize Namibian employment and supplier networks as operations scale. “Our goal is to build sustainable livelihoods, not just extract resources,” he said, underscoring partnerships with local vocational centers for skills development.
Geologists have long hailed Erongo’s potential, but Andrada’s success hinges on marrying historical data with cutting-edge technology. The company’s approach—reprocessing tailings from legacy mines and deploying modular plants—minimizes environmental disruption while maximizing resource recovery. “We’re not starting from scratch,” Viljoen explained. “The groundwork laid by past operations gives us a head start, but our innovation ensures we leave a smaller footprint.”
Challenges remain, however. Namibia’s arid climate demands water-efficient processing methods, and community expectations for equitable benefits are high. Andrada has committed to engaging traditional leaders and regional councils to address concerns. “Transparency is non-negotiable,” Viljoen asserted. “We’re here to partner with communities, not just operate near them.”
The broader mining sector is watching closely. Andrada’s model—combining legacy assets with modern extraction techniques—offers a blueprint for revitalizing Africa’s mining landscapes. With the Erongo region positioned as a hub for green minerals, Namibia could attract further investment, echoing the surge in renewable energy projects across the country.
As global markets clamor for ethically sourced critical minerals, Andrada’s expansion underscores Namibia’s strategic advantage. The country’s stable governance, clear regulatory framework, and rich deposits make it a magnet for developers aiming to decarbonize supply chains.
For Viljoen, the vision is clear: “Namibia isn’t just a supplier—it’s a cornerstone of the global energy transition. With every ton of lithium or tin we produce, we’re powering a cleaner future.” As drills turn and plants rise in Erongo’s dusty plains, Andrada’s ambitions may well position Namibia at the forefront of a resource revolution—one where geology and green ideals converge.