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(Sharecast News) - Andrada Mining reported positive initial tungsten test results from its Brandberg West project in Namibia on Monday, highlighting the potential to extract high-value polymetallic concentrates from historical waste material.
The AIM-traded tin producer said ore sorting testwork across nine grab samples demonstrated significant grade uplifts, with tungsten grades increasing to as high as 1.45% from 0.24%, copper to 2.81% from 0.73%, and tin to 2.09% from 0.31% in selected samples.
Tungsten recoveries reached up to 91%, while tin recoveries were as high as 94%.
The company said the results also showed a 90% reduction in material mass through sensor-based XRT ore sorting, which could lower capital expenditure requirements and accelerate the route to production.
It said the technology also demonstrated the ability to simultaneously identify and separate multiple metals, supporting the project's polymetallic potential.
The initial programme focussed on around 30 kilogram grab samples taken from historically mined waste and blasted material, which Andrada said could enable faster development given the availability of surface material.
However, the firm noted the samples were not representative of average grades due to their limited size, with bulk testwork planned to provide a more comprehensive assessment.
"These results represent an important validation milestone in highlighting the economic potential of tungsten as a key critical metal at the Brandberg West project, particularly against a backdrop of exceptionally strong commodity prices," said chief executive Anthony Viljoen.
"The grades achieved in this testwork on the historically mined waste dumps are significantly higher than the global average for tungsten deposits with corresponding high recovery rates."
He added that the findings "reinforce our confidence as we advance toward larger-scale test batches and firmly position tungsten as a cornerstone critical metal within Andrada's overall portfolio".
The testwork formed part of a multi-phase assessment programme under an earn-in agreement with an affiliate of ACAM, which could provide up to $51m in funding for exploration and development in exchange for up to a 49% stake in the project.
At 1213 BST, shares in Andrada Mining were up 5.07% at 3.63p.
Reporting by Josh White for Sharecast.com.
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