UK-based Marula Mining (AQSE: MARU) announced that its Blesberg lithium-tantalum mine project in South Africa has met two of the three key conditions for the issuance of a 10-year mining right: 1. It has submitted an environmental rehabilitation guarantee of ZAR 11.86 million (approximately GBP 510,000) and obtained environmental authorization from the South African Department of Mineral Resources and Energy. 2. The updated Social and Labour Plan has been approved by the local government and community, and is awaiting final departmental review. Upon approval, the mining right area will expand from the current 5 hectares to the entire 1,051-hectare mining area, enabling the company to upgrade from current tailings processing to large-scale open-pit mining. This move will also facilitate the implementation of a joint venture plan for a lithium acid leach plant with Asian battery manufacturers.