Kodal Minerals PLC is a British resource extractor whose business model is based on the extraction of lithium and tantalum resources. The company focuses on the African continent, particularly Mali, where it holds various mining concessions.
The company operates in five main areas: exploration, resource estimation, development, production, and distribution. In the exploration phase, the company will examine geological material to determine if a mine is worth pursuing. It utilizes geophysical and geochemical methods to find the best location for resource extraction. The resource estimation is used to assess the potential of a site and calculate the profitability of the entire project.
In the development phase, the Kodal Minerals team will build the mine infrastructure and ensure the necessary resources for successful operation. This includes accommodations for staff, roads or bridges, power plants, and water supply.
Once the mine is operational, the production phase begins. Kodal Minerals focuses specifically on the extraction of lithium from saline soils and tantalum from ores. For this purpose, a specific process is employed to extract and process the resources from the ground. In the case of lithium extraction from saline soils, the company utilizes a process called brine extraction. The Li-rich saltwater is pumped from the ground and directed into ponds. The sun evaporates the water from the brine, allowing the lithium to be separated. Tantalum, on the other hand, is primarily obtained through gravity separation and milling processing.
Finally, it enters the distribution phase where Kodal Minerals sells the resources to third parties. The main customers are manufacturers of lithium-ion batteries and electric vehicles, as lithium is considered an important component of battery technology. Tantalum, on the other hand, is mainly used in the electronics industry, particularly in the production of high-performance capacitors and superconducting resistors. However, Kodal Minerals does not sell directly to these end customers; it works with global traders and brokerage firms to achieve the optimal selling price.
Overall, Kodal Minerals' business model depends on the demand for lithium and tantalum. The company aims to develop existing and new mining projects in the region and increase production and profitability through improved mining techniques and processes. With its geological expertise, efficient working methods, and strong relationships in the local market, Kodal Minerals is an important player in the resource industry and has the potential to expand further in the future.
