Zulu lithium, tungsten projects commissioned, set ...

Zulu lithium, tungsten projects commissioned, set to bolster production by mid-July

Oscar J Jeke

Zim Now Reporter

Premier African Minerals-owned Zulu Lithium Mine has been commissioned to continue operations, with plans already underway to install additional components that will see increase plant performance and profitability from the current production patterns.

The Matabeleland South Province, lithium mine currently produces at least 50 tonnes of spodumene concentrate per day, with the entity earmarking further modifications to the spodumene float circuit to achieve the desired SC6 grade, which is compatible and standard for the lithium market.

According to sources, developments and modifications of additional components, will commence mid-June while installation of a new conditioning cell supported by civil construction works is also earmarked for completion in the early days of July.

In previous updates, back dating to January 2024, the Board of Premier African Minerals gave updates, noting that the plant had started running, with concentrates being produced from Mica and Spodumene floatation sections, while analysis of the concentrate were still underway.

“The plant is now running and concentrates are being produced from both Mica and Spodumene flotation sections. Analysis of the concentrates is underway. Several issues need attention by the plant contractors that are affecting both quantity and quality of production… The plant contractor will need to remedy this forthwith. Premier is, however, encouraged that initial spot analysis by Zulu’s internal laboratory on the material transferred to the spodumene flotation plant, has indicated a concentrate of 6.1 percent lithium oxide (Li2O) is potentially achievable from current ore from source prior to processing known as Run of Mine,” read the update statement.

Premier African Minerals Limited Chief Executive Officer, George Roach also expressed satisfaction on the progress track of the plant.

“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,” he said.

The mine is already approximated to be producing over four percent lithium oxide, over 350 tones of spodumene concentrate in the past weeks, with the shipment monitored by the Minerals Marketing Corporation of Zimbabwe as well as an independent inspectorate.