Exploration at Sandawana, a mining lease owned by Kuvimba Mining House (KMH), is underway with the objective of determining the total lithium resource and associated minerals such as Tantalite, niobium, emeralds, and beryllium.
Kelvin Sungiso
Speaking about the project at the sideline of the Sandawana mine visit, the General Manager Godwin Gambiza said the exploration program is being conducted in four distinct phases. The first phase, which is nearly concluded, has resulted in the estimation of a lithium oxide resource of 29 million tonnes, with an estimated average grade of 1.42%.
“Exploration at Sandawana is taking place on a 38,8 square kilometre lease owned by Kuvimba Mining House. The exercise is aimed at finding the total lithium resource and associated minerals like Tantalite, niobium, emeralds, and beryllium. The programme is divided into four phases. The first is almost complete and a resource of 29 million tones at an estimated grade of 1.42% of lithium oxide has been estimated. This consists of 20 million tonnes of Measured Resource, 2 million tons of Indicated Resource and 7 million tonnes of Inferred Resource,” Gambiza said.
Following the successful completion of the first phase, a second phase has been planned to target an additional 30 million tonnes of lithium oxide. This phase is scheduled to commence in August of 2023.
“A second phase targeting 30 million tonnes of lithium oxide has been planned and will commence end of August 2023. At the end of all phases, it is expected that the mine will achieve 200 million tonnes of Resource,” he said.
Upon the completion of all four phases, it is predicted that the mine will achieve a total resource of 200 million tonnes. These findings highlight the significant potential of Sandawana as a valuable source of lithium and other associated minerals.
The estimation of a lithium oxide resource of 29 million tonnes in the initial phase showcases the substantial reserves present within the mining lease. Lithium, in particular, is a highly sought-after mineral due to its indispensable role in the production of rechargeable batteries used in electric vehicles and portable electronic devices. The increasing demand for lithium underscores the importance of conducting comprehensive exploration programs to identify and assess potential lithium-rich deposits.
It is worth noting that the measured, indicated, and inferred resource categories provide essential information about the level of confidence in the presence and quality of the identified mineral resources. Measured resources represent the highest level of confidence as they are determined with extensive sampling and high-quality data. Indicated resources demonstrate a reasonable level of confidence, while inferred resources rely on limited data and have a lower level of confidence.
