Zulu to produce 6.1% lithium concentrate
Following the announcement that its plant at the Zulu lithium project is running, Premier African Minerals has revealed that its spodumene flotation plant has indicated a concentrate of 6.1% Li2O to be potentially achievable from current ROM ore.
Rudairo Mapuranga
According to Premier African Minerals CEO George Roach, while analysis of the concentrates is underway, the plant is now running, and concentrates are being produced from both Mica and Spodumene flotation sections.
He however said that several issues need attention by the plant contractors that are affecting both quantity and quality of production.
“Most important is that instrumentation related to pH measurement does not cover all plant components that need to be monitored and the reagent dosing system is unable to adjust pH to design specifications. The plant contractor will need to remedy this forthwith.”
Roach said Premier is, however, encouraged that the initial spot analysis by Zulu’s internal laboratory on the material transferred to the spodumene flotation plant has indicated a concentrate of 6.1% Li2O is potentially achievable from current ROM ore.
“Premier believes that we are getting there. Not as quickly as Premier had hoped and with more unnecessary remedial issues than Premier had anticipated.
Premier therefore remains simultaneously encouraged and frustrated. Further updates will follow” he said.