Premier African's Zulu project completes second phase of test runs
By Josh White
Date: Wednesday 20 Aug 2025
(Sharecast News) - Premier African Minerals said on Wednesday that its Zulu Lithium and Tantalum Project in Zimbabwe had completed the second phase of test runs at its primary flotation plant, allowing continuous operation and marking the transition from commissioning to optimisation.
The AIM-traded company said the plant has produced saleable spodumene concentrate above 5% lithium oxide on several occasions, with grades reaching as high as 6.2%.
It added that further optimisation was expected to ensure this can be achieved consistently.
Premier said it had postponed a planned purchase of a secondary flotation plant while its newly-appointed managing director reviewed the project's operating parameters and strategic benefits.
Meanwhile, a trading house that signed a letter of intent in April has confirmed that it would require saleable concentrate as a condition for an offtake agreement, following a second site visit.
"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," said chief executive George Roach.
"The recent rise in spodumene pricing is encouraging, with the potential to transition Zulu from its current position to sustained profitability."
Roach added that achieving full optimisation and reducing debt would require additional funding and careful strategic management, with negotiations on offtake expected to begin shortly.
Engineering group Enprotec, which had been providing support to the Zulu team, confirmed its review of the project and agreed the plant has now entered its optimisation phase.
At 1302 BST, shares in Premier African Minerals were up 28.16% at 0.03p.
Reporting by Josh White for Sharecast.com.
Email this article to a friend
or share it with one of these popular networks:
You are here: news
10 Lower Thames St,
London EC3R 6EN