AfriTin Mining Limited has recorded a 13% increase in tin production at its Uis mine in Namibia in the first quarter ended 31 May 2022.
“Our tin-producing operation at the Uis Mine continues to deliver record-breaking performance.The strong performance of the tin operation provides a solid platform for developing potential lithium and tantalum by-product revenue streams. Our position as an operating, cash-generating mining company allows us to fast-track development of near-term opportunities, as well as expanding our production and product portfolio,” AfriTin Mining CEO, Anthony Viljoen, said in the company’s quarterly production.
“I am also pleased to note that the initiatives aimed at improving our unit costs are yielding positive results. These results are a testament to our team’s capability. The Phase 1 Expansion Project is nearing completion and will further strengthen our tin revenue base.”
According to the update, the company achieved a record quarterly performance at the Uis Mine for Q1 of FY2023, with Tin concentrate production for the period under review totalled 239 tonnes.
Tin contained in concentrate increased by 13% Q-o-Q to 152 tonnes.
“A total of 152 kt of ore was processed at an average processing rate of 99 tph. Processing plant efficiency as measured by overall tin recovery improved 5% Q-o-Q to a record of 67%. The average plant feed grade for the quarter increased 9% Q-o-Q due to natural orebody grade variations in the current mining area.”
All-in Sustaining Costs (AISC) for Uis decreased by 16% to US$23,526 (unaudited) per tonne of tin.
“This compares favourably with the realised average tin price of US$34,367 achieved for the quarter, said the update.The improvement in AISC can be attributed to higher tin production and operational efficiencies. Secondary factors contributing to quarterly cost variations include exchange rate fluctuations and work-in-progress movements,” he said.
“The company remains committed to driving continuous improvement initiatives aimed at enhancing operational efficiencies and unit costs, and minimising cost fluctuations.”
The AfriTin updates comes as Metallurgical test work results of the company released last month show the successful production of a petalite lithium concentrate, indicating the potential for a lithium by-product at Uis.
This has resulted in South African company Consulmet being appointed contractor for a 20 t/h pilot plant with a target commissioning date in the fourth quarter of 2022.
