AIM listed mining and exploration junior Premier African Minerals Limited has announced that its Zulu Lithium and Tantalum Project in Fort Rixon has successfully completed the second phase of OEM test runs, marking a significant milestone as the Primary Flotation Plant is now commissioned and operating continuously, Mining Zimbabwe can report.
By Rudairo Mapuranga
According to the company’s latest update, all plant components are now integrated and automated, with both Zulu and its equipment suppliers satisfied with the progress achieved. The plant has already demonstrated the ability to produce saleable spodumene concentrate with grades exceeding the minimum 5% Li₂O threshold, reaching as high as 6.2% Li₂O on multiple occasions.
Premier noted that the facility has effectively transitioned from its commissioning stage to a refining and optimisation phase. While optimisation work will continue, as is standard practice for any newly producing plant, the company is now positioning Zulu for its “growth and operational chapter.”
In a notable strategic shift, Premier’s board has decided to delay the purchase of a Secondary Flotation Plant. The company explained that some operating parameters have changed since the original test work was carried out last year. The new managing director will first conduct a comprehensive review of the rationale and potential benefits before the board proceeds with the investment.
Premier also confirmed progress on its previously announced non-binding letter of interest with a major trading house. Following a second site visit, the prospective offtaker reiterated that its minimum requirement is a saleable spodumene concentrate. Negotiations are expected to begin soon, with Premier emphasising that securing a binding agreement will be pivotal in advancing Zulu’s commercialisation and addressing outstanding financial obligations.
CEO George Roach highlighted that while Zulu is still in its early operational phase, rising spodumene prices offer an encouraging market backdrop. “We are pleased with the progress made so far and remain focused on advancing Zulu from its current early stage to the diversified industrial minerals producer we believe it can become,” Roach said. He stressed that achieving full optimisation and financial stability will require fresh funding alongside careful management.
ENPROTEC, which had originally worked under Stark during the early stages of Zulu’s development, continues to provide technical support at the request of the Zulu team. Importantly, ENPROTEC has endorsed Premier’s announcement, confirming that the plant has now officially moved from a commissioning stage into refining and optimisation.
ENPROTEC, a multi-disciplinary engineering and mineral processing group with a global footprint, is known for delivering end-to-end solutions to the mining industry. Its confirmation lends additional credibility to Premier’s progress update.
The commissioning of the Zulu plant is a long-awaited milestone for Premier African Minerals after a series of delays, optimisation challenges, and funding hurdles. While questions remain around financing and long-term production stability, today’s update marks a tangible shift toward operational maturity.
With a commissioned flotation plant, a rising lithium price environment, and ongoing offtake negotiations, Premier now faces the critical task of sustaining production consistency, securing binding agreements, and transitioning Zulu into a profitable lithium producer.
