Andrada Mining Reports Strong Tungsten, Copper and Tin Recoveries at Brandberg West

Why It Matters

The high recoveries and grade uplift lower the capital intensity of producing critical minerals, positioning Brandberg West as a potentially cost‑competitive source of tungsten, copper and tin amid strong commodity prices.

Key Takeaways

• Tungsten recovery reached up to 91% in test work.
• Tin recovery hit 94%, with 90% mass reduction achieved.
• Ore sorting lifted tungsten grade from 0.24% to 1.45%.
• Copper grade rose to 2.81% after sensor‑based sorting.
• Earn‑in deal could give ACAM up to 49% project stake.

Pulse Analysis

The global push for critical minerals has placed tungsten at the forefront of strategic sourcing, especially as manufacturers seek alternatives to traditional steel alloys. Andrada Mining’s Brandberg West project in Namibia taps a historically mined deposit, but its real advantage lies in converting low‑grade waste into a premium concentrate. By leveraging sensor‑based X‑ray transmission ore‑sorting, the company can isolate multiple metals simultaneously, a capability that few peers have demonstrated at scale. This technology not only boosts recovery rates but also slashes the volume of material that must be processed, directly reducing energy consumption and operating costs.

The recent test results underscore the economic promise of the project. Tungsten recoveries of up to 91% and tin recoveries of 94% are well above industry averages, while the 90% mass reduction translates into a smaller processing plant footprint and lower capital expenditure. Grade uplifts—from 0.24% to 1.45% for tungsten and from 0.73% to 2.81% for copper—signal that the ore‑sorting circuit can generate a high‑value polymetallic product from material previously deemed waste. Such performance positions Brandberg West to compete with primary mines, offering a faster pathway to commercial production and a buffer against volatile input costs.

Strategically, the earn‑in partnership with ACAM, which may secure up to a 49% ownership stake, provides both financing and market credibility. As tungsten prices remain elevated, investors are keen on projects that can deliver low‑cost, high‑grade output. Andrada’s ability to demonstrate scalable, technology‑driven recoveries enhances its bargaining power in future offtake negotiations and may attract additional capital for the next phase of larger‑scale test batches. The combination of technical success, cost efficiencies, and a solid partnership framework suggests that Brandberg West could become a benchmark for sustainable critical‑mineral production in Africa.