UK- and South Africa-listed battery metals miner Marula Mining has advised that its NyoriGreen Mining Limited (NML) subsidiary has been granted eight new mining licences in Tanzania.

A prospecting licence that was also applied for remains outstanding, but Marula expects its approval during the second quarter.

The new licences are valid for seven years from April 19 and are being incorporated into the existing Nyorinyori graphite and the NyoriGreen graphite projects, in which Marula holds a 75% commercial interest.

The total number of graphite mining licences that now make up these projects has increased to 35.

Marula has confirmed high-grade mineralisation of up to 15.89% total graphitic carbon through testwork, including graphite grading 14%, 13% and 11% that is exposed at surface.

Marula will issue 1.05-million shares worth $25 000 to NML following the grant of the new licences, which is consistent with the commercial terms agreed between the companies in January

The new licences are included in the Phase 2 programme of exploration activities in which Marula will conduct diamond drilling over the surface-identified graphite mineralised zones, as well as geophysical survey work and trenching programmes.

The new licences extend over 67 ha, which, together with the Nyorinyori and NyoriGreen projects, comprises a total project area of about 337 ha.