UK- and South Africa-listed battery metals miner Marula Mining has reported impressive average grades of 35.73% from manganese samples taken from the Larisoro manganese mine in Kenya.
The company collected 18 samples from stockpiled material, which will soon be transported by rail to the Port of Mombasa for export.
Assays conducted at Fujax UK’s laboratories in Mombasa, a potential offtaker, revealed notable grades, including 39.25%, 39.13%, 38.60%, 37.69%, and 37.56% manganese.
Marula is currently testing and prequalifying samples ahead of finalizing long-term offtake agreements for sales of manganese ore to international markets.
The company stated that these assay results align with historical data from the Larisoro mine and support their plans to produce a 37% manganese saleable product from the site.
Marula is investing in exploration and new processing activities at the mine as part of an agreement with Kenyan company Gems and Industrial Minerals.
The goal is to increase monthly manganese ore production from Larisoro to between 5,000 t/y and 10,000 t/y of high-grade manganese ore by September 30.
Marula aims to formalize further documentation with Gems, including a technical support agreement, in June.
“With manganese prices trading near four-year highs, our ability to deliver material from the Larisoro manganese mine now positions us strongly as we look to expand production levels further,” said CEO Jason Brewer.
