Aim-listed Andrada Mining has commenced exploration drilling at its Lithium Ridge project in Namibia, supported by a strategic investment from Sociedad Química y Minera de Chile (SQM) through its subsidiary SQM Australia. The campaign marks the first phase of the companies’ earn-in agreement.
In this stage, SQM will fund up to $7 million in exploration to earn an initial 30% interest in Lithium Ridge. Across all three stages, SQM could invest as much as $40 million in exploration.
CEO Anthony Viljoen said the start of drilling represents a major milestone for one of Namibia’s most prospective lithium assets.
“Historical results of up to 2.13% Li₂O along the 6 km ridge are now being reinforced by new mapping and sampling, which have identified additional mineralised pegmatites with visible spodumene crystals,” Viljoen said. “This further validates the scale and quality of Lithium Ridge. SQM’s investment highlights both the project’s potential and Namibia’s growing role in the global critical minerals supply chain.”
Located just 35 km from Andrada’s producing Uis tin mine, Lithium Ridge hosts multiple lithium-bearing pegmatites, with tin and tantalum credits.
The 14,000-metre diamond drilling programme, consisting of about 120 orientated holes, will test depth extensions and continuity of extensive surface mineralisation, while also expanding exploration across the broader licence area.
Previous work at Lithium Ridge returned grades of up to 2.13% Li₂O, with metallurgical recoveries of up to 80%, producing a 6.8% Li₂O concentrate with low iron levels.
Viljoen noted that the programme is expected to significantly enhance geological understanding of the project and pave the way for its advancement toward development.
