Marula Mining, an African-focused mining investment company, has said that site works have commenced at the Blesberg Lithium and Tantalum Project in South Africa.

Sustainable mining in South Africa

Marula Mining said that its mining and processing consultants, Southern Metal Processing (SMP), have conducted a detailed site visit to complete an assessment and review of the area to finalise the design and develop a long-term sustainable mining and associated operations plan.

The decision follows an announcement on 7th September 2022, of the Preliminary Assay Results and the Marula board’s decision to accelerate the fast-tracked treatment of the high-grade lithium in the spodumene mineralisation identified, contained in the existing stockpiles, the statement added.

With the assessment and review of the Blesberg mine site completed, final planning of the appropriate site establishment, stockpile processing, exploration and mine development requirements has begun, Marula said.

It added that the site establishment will commence in line with the requirements of the Department of Mineral Resources and that SMP has begun commencing the initial site works. 

Health and safety plan for lithium mining operation

The consultancy has also submitted a proposal for the retreatment of the existing stockpiles and preliminary design work of a longer term hard-rock mine, exploration plans and budgets, mine health and safety plan, and detailed capital and operating cost estimates and the standard operating procedures for the lithium mining and processing operation in line with Marula’s ESG and CSR corporate policies.

Jason Brewer, CEO of Marula Mining, said: “Blesberg continues to go from strength to strength and the outlining of the next phase of work, with the goal of reprocessing the existing stockpiles to produce a high-value and high-grade lithium product with cashflow potentially by the end of the year, is further evidence of the value we believe the Project possesses.

“When constructing our next phase of the work strategy, it was important to us that a safe and protective operating environment is established for all stakeholders. Sustainability is at the forefront of everything we do as a company, and we recognise our responsibility here.

“SMP is once again carrying out a great job with regards to adding value at the Project and I would like to extend my special thanks to their diligent team for the work that they are progressing.

“As the growth in demand for lithium continues, driven by its uses in, and increasing importance to the green transition, I look forward to sharing updates from the Blesberg Project and our portfolio of assets.”

As part of the Company’s strategy to advance the Blesberg Lithium and Tantalum Mine into production, it said that an application for two five-hectare mining permits extending over the initial areas to reprocess the stockpiles has been submitted. These permits are valid for a period of two years with extension permission for an additional two years following the expiration of the initial period.