Premier African Minerals Limited has provided an encouraging update on its Zulu Lithium and Tantalum Project, revealing steady progress in the second phase of plant testing.
The company launched the second testing phase on schedule with the aim of implementing changes that will allow operations to run 22 days a month to meet production targets.
“We are generally pleased with progress and remain as confident as ever in the final successful conclusion of this phase,” said George Roach, CEO.
Despite encountering typical commissioning challenges, Premier said it continues to see ‘promising results’ at each phase.
Long-suffering investors have heard this before. The plant was supposed to be up and running over a year ago.
A critical decision looms within the next seven days regarding the purchase of a secondary spodumene float section. This decision will determine the timeline for expanding processing capabilities.
Premier is simultaneously addressing two significant plant issues requiring extended timelines. The company plans to replace original OEM-supplied sorters that have proven inadequate for their intended purpose and is targeting the completion of the tantalum recovery circuit.
The firm said several parties have expressed interest in purchasing tantalum, with some potentially willing to assist with circuit completion costs.
Premier African Minerals shares have lost more than 97% of their value since touching highs of 1p in 2023.