Andrada Mining Completes Second Tin Processing Plant at Uis Mine Namibia

Andrada Mining and exploration has completed construction of a second tin processing plant at its Uis mine in Namibia. Known as the jig plant, the facility was delivered on schedule and without budget overruns. Commissioning is set to begin in the final week of August 2025, with anticipations of stronger production.

The Uis mine in Namibia’s Erongo region is one of Africa’s largest open-pit tin operations. With the jig plant ready, Andrada expects to nearly double tin output. The expansion follows a modular, low-cost design, giving the company flexibility to scale production further while keeping capital commitments manageable.

Tin’s Strategic Role in Industry

African Mining headlines often focus on gold, copper, and cobalt for their importance in global trade and clean energy. Tin, however, has slowly gained momentum as another critical mineral resource. Known as the “glue of technology,” tin supports electronics, renewable systems, battery components, and the automotive industry.

All car manufacturers, whether producing traditional internal combustion vehicles or electric models, rely on tin for soldering, coatings, and circuit connections. As global auto production expands alongside the transition to cleaner and more energy-efficient vehicles, demand for tin has surged. Supply concerns and market volatility have further reinforced its importance, stressing the metal’s essential role in both technology and transport industries.

Strengthening Namibia’s Mining Sector

Namibia continues to attract mining investment thanks to clear regulations and a supportive operating environment. The successful delivery of Andrada’s jig plant reinforces this reputation and contributes to the country’s growing role in supplying critical minerals. For local communities, the expansion also brings new opportunities in employment and industrial development.

Moving Into Commissioning

The jig plant is expected to improve recovery rates and raise operational efficiency at Uis. By almost doubling monthly throughput, the mine gains economies of scale while extending its resource potential. The modular design allows further phases to be added if market conditions demand more supply.

With commissioning beginning in late August 2025, Andrada’s investment stresses  key industry shifts while copper, cobalt, and gold dominate market narratives, tin has carved out a firm place in the global transition economy. Not just electric vehicles but all automakers rely on tin, making projects like Uis essential for securing a stable supply of this overlooked yet critical metal.