Marula Mining, focusing on lithium ore processing expansion at its Blesberg lithium and tantalum project in South Africa’s Northern Cape province, reported significant progress during the quarter ending September 30.
The company hauled 18,843 tonnes of stockpile material for beneficiation and sorting, showing a substantial increase from the previous quarter’s 14,924 tonnes.
The period saw 27,800 tonnes of material processed through the crushing and screening circuit, with an additional 10,550 tonnes utilized for road and drill pad construction. As of September 30, Marula held 38,630 tonnes of stockpiled material.
In line with its expansion plans, the company finalized the acquisition of two sensor-based X-ray fluorescence (XRF) ore sorting plants for R40.6-million (£1.7-million).
These sorters are pivotal components of the proposed expanded processing facilities at Blesberg, designed to enhance the processing capacity for high-grade lithium spodumene.
The new processing plant aims to yield up to 5,000 tonnes per month of saleable lithium product. The acquisition comprises a Rados SRF100-8 ore sorter and a Tomra COM XRT 1200 ore sorter, with capacities of 30 t/h and 120 t/h, respectively. Commissioning of the sorters is scheduled for the fourth quarter, with installation already underway.
Simultaneously, Marula is in negotiations for a new long-term offtake partner after terminating its agreement with Southern Jade Resources.
The company has initiated a resource drilling exploration program of R26-million to define a maiden mineral resource estimate and support a broader hard-rock openpit mining operation at Blesberg.
Additionally, Marula is engaged in copper exploration in Tanzania’s Dodoma region and holds graphite licenses in Simanjiro district, advancing projects in both regions in collaboration with Takela Mining Tanzania.
As part of its strategic growth, Marula is contemplating listing its securities on the Aim market of the LSE, with potential dual listings on Kenya’s Nairobi Securities Exchange and South Africa’s JSE, diversifying its presence in the market.
