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(Alliance News) - AfriTin Mining PLC on Wednesday announced that laboratory tests had produced high-grade lithium pelatite concentrate.
The Guernsey-based technology metals mining company with assets in Namibia said tests had produced an ultra-low iron lithium pelatite concentrate at 4.3% Li2O, with low contaminant levels of 0.03% Fe2O3 and 0.93% alkalis.
The company also said that test work to convert lithium pelatite concentrate - from AfriTin's Uis mine in Namibia - into battery grade lithium hydroxide has commenced with Australian mineral processing company Nagrom. The results of these tests are expected to be released in the third quarter of 2023.
Tantalum laboratory tests had produced a saleable 24% tantalum oxide concentrate, AfriTin said. An integrated tantalum separation circuit is currently progressing to construction, and is set to be completed in the second quarter of 2023, with the first tantalum production expected in the third quarter.
Chief Executive Officer Anthony Viljoen said: "The excellent laboratory test result of a high-grade, ultra-low iron petalite gives us the confidence to advance to the pilot phase of our lithium product development programme. We look forward to establishing production of lithium petalite concentrate and initiating testing with potential offtakers in the glassware and ceramics market, for whom petalite is a key raw material, as well as with producers of lithium hydroxide and lithium carbonate for the battery market."
AfriTin also announced that commercial discussions had begun with lithium pelatite concentrate offtakers.
AfriTin shares were up 3.2% trading at 4.80 pence each on Wednesday afternoon in London.
By Harvey Dorset, Alliance News reporter
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