Aim-listed Andrada Mining has begun exploration drilling at the Lithium Ridge project, in Namibia, in partnership with Sociedad Química y Minera de Chile (SQM) through its subsidiary SQM Australia.

The company says this milestone is part of the workplan of the first stage under its earn-in agreement with SQM.

Under this first stage, SQM will fund up to $7-million in exploration to secure an initial 30% interest at project level.

Under the three-stage earn-in agreement, Andrada may fund up to $40-million in exploration work at Lithium Ridge.

Andrada CEO Anthony Viljoen describes the start of drilling at Lithium Ridge as a significant step forward in unlocking one of Namibia’s most exciting lithium opportunities.

Viljoen says the encouraging historical results of up to 2.13% lithium oxide (Li₂O) along the 6 km ridge line, are already being complemented by a new geological mapping and sampling programme that has identified additional mineralised pegmatites containing visible spodumene crystals.

“This strengthens our confidence in the scale and quality of the project.

“The investment by SQM underscores Lithium Ridge’s potential and Namibia’s growing role in the global supply of critical minerals. We expect this programme to provide the foundation for fast-tracking the project towards development,” he says.

The Lithium Ridge mining licence is located 35 km from Andrada’s producing Uis tin mine and hosts multiple high-priority lithium-bearing pegmatites, with associated tin and tantalum credits.

The current programme is designed to unlock the full potential of the mineralised ridge and extend exploration across the wider licence area where new spodumene-bearing pegmatites have been identified.

The 14 000 m diamond drilling programme will comprise about 120 orientated holes to determine the depth extensions and continuity of the extensive mineralisation already identified at surface.

Andrada notes that historical work confirmed grades of up to 2.13% Li₂O and metallurgical spodumene recoveries of up to 80%, producing a premium 6.8% Li₂O concentrate with low iron levels.

These results were on drill chip samples produced during reverse circulation drilling at Lithium Ridge.

The company says the latest drilling programme is expected to significantly enhance the geological understanding of Lithium Ridge and demonstrate its economic potential as a large-scale, high-quality lithium project.