Zulu Lithium Resource Upgrade Boosts Production Potential with 23% Increase in Spodumene
Premier African Minerals Limited has announced a significant upgrade to the mineral resource estimate (MRE) at its wholly owned Zulu Lithium and Tantalum Project, Mining Zimbabwe reports.
By Rudairo Mapuranga
The updated MRE, compliant with the South African Code for the Reporting of Exploration Results, Mineral Resources, and Mineral Reserves (SAMREC) and the Joint Ore Reserves Committee (JORC) standards, highlights a 23% increase in contained spodumene and a 17% increase in contained tantalum.
The company’s Chief Executive Officer, George Roach, expressed satisfaction with the results, attributing the increases to factors such as improved grade control assessments and additional data. The updated MRE has been prepared on a depleted basis, following the mining conducted to date.
“With ongoing mining activities, further sections of the ore body are expected to be reclassified into a measured category, supported by close-spaced in-pit grade control assessments,” Roach said.
“We believe that Zulu is likely to produce spodumene concentrates with low iron and higher spodumene concentrate grades.”
The MRE is based on assay results from surface drill holes, grade control holes, and surface trenches conducted between 2016 and 2023. The geological model has been developed from extensive drilling on a nominal 50-meter by 50-meter drill spacing.
This updated MRE is expected to positively impact Premier African Minerals’ production plans, positioning the company to increase production at the Zulu Lithium and Tantalum Project and leverage the growing global demand for lithium and tantalum.
The Zulu Lithium and Tantalum Project represents a major development for Zimbabwe’s mining sector, with the potential to contribute significantly to the country’s economy and create jobs.