Marula Mining's Southern African Lithium and Tantalum Mining business has been granted a mining permit for its Blesberg lithium and tantalum project in the Northern Cape, South Africa.
The mining permit is valid for two years until May 24, 2026, and spans five hectares.
The permit allows for the development and open pit mining of lithium, tantalum, and niobium ores, as well as feldspar at Blesberg.
This is in addition to the stockpile reprocessing operations previously approved.
While the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources (DMPR) completes its approval procedure for the mining right application, the company may continue with open pit mining and development activities as the mining permit authorizes.
Marula is now engaged in the initial surface development work and clearance activities.
Subsequently, the company intends to undertake the planned open pit development and traditional open pit drill-and-blast and load-and-haul mining operations.
The company is currently in the process of choosing a local mining contractor to oversee the development work and the associated open-pit mining activities.
Mathew Nyaungwa, Editor in Chief of the African Bureau, Rough&Polished
