A 2.2-kilometer stretch of pegmatite containing tin, lithium, tantalum, and rubidium has been identified at the Uis project in Namibia—and it could be highly valuable: tin alone is traded at approximately $46,000 per ton on the international market. Australian company Askari Metals announced promising results from the first phase of excavations at its 100% owned project. These minerals are essential for cutting-edge technologies, electronics, batteries, and renewable energy applications.
The excavation results highlighted strong mineralization along the pegmatite trend, with tin and lithium values surpassing common industry standards. Lithium, for instance, is a vital component for electric vehicle batteries and energy storage systems, while tantalum is crucial for capacitors in high-tech electronics. Rubidium is used in specialized electronics and atomic clocks.
This discovery positions Namibia as a key player in the global supply chain of critical minerals, underscoring its strategic and economic importance. In addition to strengthening its position in the mineral market, the discovery could generate substantial export revenues and attract foreign investments, boosting the country’s industrial development.
With tin prices hovering around $46,000 per ton, the Uis project could significantly contribute to national mining revenues, as well as create jobs in a region already benefiting from established infrastructure, including the deep-water port of Walvis Bay. Askari Metals’ CEO, Gino D’Anna, highlighted the logistical advantages of the project, given its proximity to the operating Uis tin mine.
As Namibia seeks to diversify beyond traditional minerals, discoveries like the Uis project underline the country’s potential to capture a growing share of the African critical minerals market. This has long-term implications for revenue, industrial development, and relevance in the global supply chain, as reported by Business Insider Africa.
So what? If you follow the critical minerals, battery, or renewable energy markets, Namibia is a name to watch. The country is poised to become a crucial supplier of minerals that underpin global technology and the green energy supply chain. This not only bolsters its economy but also strengthens its strategic role in Africa and the world.
Original published at O Cafezinho.