By: Creamer media

The company said the increase was underpinned by improved recoveries and operational efficiency, with further growth anticipated following the commissioning of its new jig plant.

During the second quarter, which ended on August 31, contained tin rose 14% compared with the same quarter last year to 273 t, while the tin recovery rate improved to 73%, up from 69% in the first quarter of the current financial year.

The company also realised an average tin price of $33 308/t during the quarter, 4% higher than the corresponding period in 2025, supported by strong global tin market conditions.

Andrada reported that tantalum concentrate output reached a record six-month level of 27 t, with 10 t shipped during the quarter.

The jig plant, completed on schedule and within budget, began commissioning at the end of August and is expected to enhance recoveries, increase production volumes and reduce unit costs.

For the first half of the financial year, tin concentrate production increased by 14% year-on-year to 858 t, with contained tin up 11% to 511 t.

The company also noted ongoing progress at its Lithium Ridge project, in Namibia, where Stage 1 exploration drilling with SQM Australia is advancing.

“This quarter reflects another period of robust operational performance. Increased tin concentrate production was supported by higher recoveries and improved plant utilisation. The higher concentrate tonnage also enabled us to continue benefitting from the prevailing strong tin price environment.

“The on-time, on-budget commissioning of the jig plant is another pivotal milestone for Andrada. The plant is expected to boost recoveries, raise output and lower unit costs, a combination that will drive further value creation . . . as we scale up production,” Andrada CEO Anthony Viljoen said on September 15.

He added that the company was now well-positioned for continued growth in the second half of the financial year.

“Our operational improvements provide a robust foundation for increased production which, alongside the progress at Lithium Ridge, positions Andrada well to build a diversified, high-value portfolio of critical minerals to benefit from long-term structural demand growth,” Viljoen said.