Andrada Mining Limited (AIM: ATM, OTCQB: ATMTF), a tin producer holding critical mineral assets in Namibia, has completed its comprehensive licence-wide grab sampling programme at the Lithium Ridge Project. This effort has extended the known mineralised trend from six to nine kilometres. Conducted under a partnership earn-in agreement with SQM Australia, the results revealed multiple pegmatites containing significant lithium, tin, and tantalum grades, marking a major expansion in the project's exploration potential.
Key Points
- Andrada Mining Limited (AIM: ATM, OTCQB: ATMTF) operates as a tin producer with a portfolio of critical mineral assets in Namibia, including lithium, tantalum, tungsten, and copper projects.
- The recent grab sampling programme extended the Lithium Ridge mineralised trend by 50%, increasing the strike length to nine kilometres, building on initial results announced in January 2026.
- Out of approximately 1,500 outcropping pegmatites, 1,230 grab samples were collected, with 734 samples analysed and reported in this update. Several samples exceeded 3.5% Li2O, tin grades reached up to 7.38% Sn, and tantalum levels peaked at 3,192 ppm Ta.
- Investors should watch for results from the ongoing Stage 1 diamond drilling programme, which encompasses about 16,500 metres, completed in May 2026 and currently undergoing geochemical analysis.
Robust Lithium Mineralisation Across Multiple Pegmatites in Namibia
Latest grab sampling results from Andrada Mining reveal extensive lithium mineralisation throughout the Lithium Ridge Project licence area. Of the 734 samples disclosed, 60 recorded lithium grades above 1% Li2O, and 48 samples surpassed 2% Li2O. This indicates that high-grade lithium is distributed across various pegmatites, not confined to a single trend, suggesting a larger mineralised system and enhanced resource potential.
Exceptional samples include multiple pegmatites with grades well above 3.5% Li2O. Notably, two samples from one pegmatite exceeded 8% Li2O, accompanied by elevated phosphorus levels, hinting at mineralogical variations warranting further study. All samples were collected from pegmatites identified via field mapping and satellite imagery, with precise GPS location recording. Independent laboratories conducted lithium determinations using sodium peroxide fusion combined with ICP-OES analysis, ensuring rigorous quality control.
Polymetallic Potential Highlighted by Significant Tin and Tantalum Anomalies
Beyond lithium, the grab sampling programme uncovered substantial polymetallic potential at Lithium Ridge, with many samples showing economically significant tin and tantalum concentrations. Specifically, 160 samples contained tin grades above 0.1% Sn, and 163 samples had tantalum levels exceeding 75 ppm. The highest tin grade recorded was 7.38% Sn, while tantalum peaked at 3,192 ppm Ta within individual pegmatites. This polymetallic mineralisation aligns with growing global demand for critical minerals vital to the green energy transition.
High-grade tin and tantalum are consistently associated with lithium-bearing pegmatites across the licence area, confirming Lithium Ridge as a polymetallic system with multiple valuable commodities. This multi-metallic nature enhances the project's economic prospects and diversifies commodity exposure. Andrada’s focus on critical minerals supports global decarbonisation efforts, as these metals are essential for electric vehicles, solar panels, and wind turbines driving sustainable energy.
Mineralised Trend Extended from Six to Nine Kilometres
The licence-wide grab sampling programme has significantly expanded the Lithium Ridge mineralised trend. Initial results reported in January 2026 confirmed mineralisation along a six-kilometre strike length. The current results extend this by an additional three kilometres, representing a 50% increase to a total of nine kilometres. This extension indicates the primary mineralised trend is longer than previously mapped and suggests further potential beyond the current boundaries.
This expansion was achieved through systematic geological mapping and grab sampling across the licence, identifying around 1,500 outcropping pegmatites via satellite and aerial imagery. A total of 1,230 grab samples were collected, with 496 samples analysed earlier and 734 samples forming the basis of this announcement. The sampling strategy included both visible spodumene-bearing pegmatites and those without visible lithium minerals, enabling a comprehensive geochemical dataset to support future mineral system modelling and exploration planning.
Discovery of Multiple New Pegmatite Targets Beyond Main Trend
A key highlight is the identification of several mineralised pegmatites outside the primary Lithium Ridge trend. These satellite targets contain high lithium and associated mineral grades, indicating a more extensive and complex mineralised system than previously recognised. This discovery underscores substantial exploration upside and potential for additional mineral finds across the licence area.
The new pegmatite targets have been integrated into the company’s diamond drilling programme to optimise drill site selection. The Stage 1 drill programme, totaling approximately 16,500 metres of orientated diamond drilling, completed in May 2026, targeted most pegmatites identified through mapping and grab sampling. Samples from drilling are currently being analysed, with updates forthcoming. Combining grab sampling and drilling data will be vital for developing a three-dimensional mineralisation model and guiding resource estimation and project development.
Strategic Stage 1 Earn-in Agreement with SQM Australia
Andrada Mining’s exploration at Lithium Ridge is conducted under a Stage 1 earn-in agreement with Sociedad Qu EDmica y Minera de Chile SA (SQM), a leading global lithium producer, via its subsidiary SQM Australia (Pty) Ltd. The grab sampling programme forms part of this structured partnership, which facilitates joint evaluation and development of the Lithium Ridge project. This collaboration reflects SQM’s confidence in the project’s potential and grants Andrada access to significant technical expertise and resources.
The Stage 1 earn-in agreement outlines exploration milestones, with the completion of licence-wide geological mapping and grab sampling marking a key achievement. The programme confirmed significant lithium mineralisation and identified multiple targets for further drilling. This partnership framework enables Andrada to progress Lithium Ridge development while sharing exploration and development risks and costs with an experienced global partner. Advancement through subsequent earn-in stages will depend on drilling results and joint assessments of the project’s technical and economic viability.
Diamond Drilling Programme Validates Mineralisation Continuity
The diamond drilling programme has confirmed the continuity of lithium mineralisation from surface to depth, supporting geological models derived from grab sampling. The Stage 1 drill campaign, comprising roughly 16,500 metres of orientated diamond drilling, was completed in May 2026 and targeted pegmatites identified through initial mapping and sampling. Drill hole selection was guided by high-grade grab sample results to test subsurface extent and consistency.
The drilling will provide representative subsurface samples to characterise mineralogy, grade distribution, and geological features of the mineralised system. Samples are currently being sent for analysis, with the company committed to updating the market on results. Integration of drilling and grab sampling data will enable development of a detailed three-dimensional mineralisation model, essential for future resource estimation and guiding project development decisions.
Rigorous Analytical Quality Assurance and Laboratory Protocols
Sample analysis quality was ensured through submission to independently certified laboratories and strict quality assurance and control measures. Field teams collected all samples with GPS location recording for precise spatial referencing. Samples were pulverised and homogenised at SA Labs Ithuba, with pulps sent to UIS Analytical Services for geochemical assays. Both labs hold independent certification, ensuring analytical integrity.
Lithium and major elements were analysed using sodium peroxide fusion with ICP-OES, while tin, tantalum, and trace elements were determined via lithium borate fusion and ICP-MS. Internal laboratory QA/QC standards met company requirements, providing confidence in reported grades. The technical data was reviewed by Professor Laurence Robb, Andrada’s non-executive director and Competent Person, with over 30 years of exploration and economic geology experience.
Andrada Mining’s Diverse Portfolio and Growing Namibian Operations
Listed on the London Stock Exchange's AIM market, Andrada Mining Limited operates as a tin producer with a broad portfolio of critical mineral assets in Namibia, a leading African investment destination. The company’s strategy focuses on unlocking Namibia’s mineral wealth through strategic partnerships while enhancing the country’s reputation as a global hub for critical mineral investment. Beyond tin, Andrada’s assets include lithium, tantalum, tungsten, and copper, offering diversified exposure to minerals essential for the global green energy transition.
Andrada is actively scaling up tin production alongside its critical mineral projects, expanding operational footprint and output. Its business model prioritises supplying critical raw materials to support sustainable development, improve quality of life, and benefit local communities. The Lithium Ridge Project is a key component, providing lithium exposure alongside polymetallic tin and tantalum potential. The partnership with SQM highlights Andrada’s ability to attract major global mining collaborators, validating its asset quality and offering a pathway to develop world-class critical mineral resources in Africa.
Next Steps and Investor Watchpoints
Investors should closely follow key developments as Lithium Ridge advances. Immediate focus is on the analysis of samples from the Stage 1 diamond drilling programme completed in May 2026. Updates on drilling results will reveal the three-dimensional mineralisation extent, grade distribution at depth, and continuity below surface. These insights are critical for future resource estimation and assessing project economics.
Additionally, investors should monitor progress through subsequent earn-in stages with SQM, likely involving further exploration, feasibility studies, and pre-development work. Integrating grab sampling geochemical data with drilling outcomes will enable comprehensive mineral system modelling, guiding project development strategy and timelines. Market dynamics in critical minerals and the global lithium sector will also influence the Lithium Ridge asset’s value within Andrada’s portfolio.
This article provides factual information based on the Investegate company announcement and is for informational purposes only. It does not constitute investment advice, a recommendation to buy or sell securities, or an offer of securities. The information is based on disclosures by Andrada Mining Limited and has not been independently verified. Investors should conduct their own due diligence and seek independent financial, legal, and technical advice before making investment decisions. Past exploration results and announcements do not guarantee future outcomes. Exploration and mining projects involve significant geological, technical, regulatory, environmental, and financial risks. Actual project development and commercialisation are subject to uncertainties. Share prices may be volatile, and investors can lose their entire investment. Readers should review full company announcements and regulatory filings before investing.