Anthony Viljoen
CEO: Andrada Mining
‘We are encouraged by the progress towards our strategy of building a large-scale lithium production base’
ANDRADA Mining rebranded in 2022 (formerly AfriTin) because CEO Anthony Viljoen saw an opportunity to turn its Uis mine in Namibia into a polymetallic operation given resources of lithium-bearing pegmatite at the operation. Tantalum resources are also available – a handy credit for those times when the relatively tiny tin market takes a characteristically volatile dip in fortune. Viljoen’s hope is that revenue can be doubled with production of the other metals. He is, though, still looking for a strategic, asset-level investor.
Plans to attract a partner were announced in the middle of this year but as yet there’s been no progress. Discussions continue, the company said at the tail-end of last year. In December, Andrada announced production of a high-grade lithium spodumene concentrate sourced from the Lithium Ridge licence area. At 6.8%, the grade is high. Based on the results, Viljoen said Andrada would proceed with the next phase of exploration drilling, metallurgical test work and mineralogical characterisation. This is planned for the first quarter in order to properly assess the geology, prove the continuity of mineralisation along strike, and to establish a maiden mineral resource estimate – all crucial information for investors.
Andrada had a cash balance of $29m at the end of November 2023. The company has also enjoyed organic growth in the first half of its 2024 financial year, driven by a 67% increase in tin concentrate production to 758 tons. Operating in the remote and harsh Namib Desert has its challenges, but the region is mineral-rich and Namibia is seen as a relatively friendly mining investment.
LIFE OF ANTHONY
Viljoen is a mining entrepreneur with over 20 years’ experience in Africa. He is a former CEO and founding director of Australian-listed Lemur Resources and successfully co-founded Bushveld Minerals. Viljoen was also a founding member of VM Investment Company. Rocks are in his blood. He hails from a well-known family of geologists: his father is Prof Richard Viljoen and his uncle was the late Prof Morris Viljoen. He holds a Bachelor of Business and Agricultural Economics degree from the University of KwaZulu- Natal, and a postgraduate diploma in finance banking and investment management.
