Premier African Minerals Reports Promising Test Ru...

Premier African Minerals Reports Promising Test Run at Zulu Lithium Plant

Oscar J Jeke

Zim Now Reporter

Premier African Minerals Limited has reported significant progress at its Zulu Lithium and Tantalum Project in Zimbabwe following successful test runs of its upgraded flotation plant, which have yielded spodumene concentrate with saleable grades exceeding 5%, the company said in a statement on Friday.

The update marks a forward step for the London-listed mining firm, which has been working to resolve technical challenges and improve recovery rates at the Zulu plant since its initial commissioning.

According to the company, the Original Equipment Manufacturer initiated a five-day continuous test run starting 22 July 2025 to assess the stability and efficiency of the newly installed spodumene float section inserts. Premier CEO George Roach confirmed that the plant now demonstrates extended operation without technical interruptions, producing consistent output at commercially viable grades.

“We are now able to report extended running time without interruptions related to the plant and consistent production at saleable grades in excess of 5% spodumene,” said Roach.

The Zulu deposit, located near Fort Rixon in Matabeleland South Province, is considered one of Zimbabwe’s most promising hard-rock lithium sources. Roach described the resource as “primarily a spodumene deposit without petalite,” which, he said, enhances its amenability to recovery via flotation processes.

The company said ongoing real-time test work has revealed the root causes of earlier underperformance, including poor grade and low recoveries. The OEM and the plant’s reagent supplier identified that adjustments to particle size management within the comminution circuit could effectively mitigate contamination issues and improve concentrate quality.

In response, Premier and the OEM plan to extend the test programme by an additional five days to refine these operational changes and optimise reagent application. The schedule for the second test run is expected to be finalised shortly.

Roach said the team’s growing understanding of the plant’s operation will help ensure its long-term success.

“Our knowledge of the plant and our understanding of the complexities of the process and the solutions will support the long-term success of this project,” he said.

Premier African Minerals said the floatation tests not only confirmed the plant’s viability but also highlighted the ore body’s potential, with the deposit once again proving its ability to produce high-grade spodumene concentrate.

Premier African Minerals is listed on the AIM market of the London Stock Exchange under the ticker “PREM.” The company’s portfolio includes a range of commodities across Zimbabwe and Mozambique, including lithium, tungsten, rare earth elements, and gold.