Name of the Project
Zulu lithium/tantalum project pilot plant.
Location
Fort Rixon, Zimbabwe.
Project Owner/s
Premier African Minerals.
Project Description
The proposed pilot plant has a nameplate throughput of up to 190 t/h; however, it is planned to run at a more conservative 140 t/h at inception.
The pilot plant will use state-of-the-art, sensor-based ore-sorting technologies that will facilitate the separation of run-of-mine material into components and, in so doing, likely increase available capacity in the flotation recovery circuits, where lithium minerals are recovered.
Ultimate production and recoveries are a factor of many variables, and the pilot plant is likely to assist in dealing with these variables, owing to the inherent flexibility of using multiple ore sorters.
Stockpiles of tantalum-, petalite- and mica-/lepidolite-rich material will facilitate further testwork and flowsheet development to ensure that this material is truly inventory for later profitable recovery.
Potential Job Creation
Not stated.
Net Present Value/Internal Rate of Return
Not stated.
Capital Expenditure
Not stated.
Planned Start/End Date
Not stated.
Latest Developments
Premier African Minerals intends to raise £2.48-million before expenses through a subscription to advance its Zulu project.
Funds now raised will be used specifically for direct operating expenses at the project, including final payments pertaining to the thickener purchase and installation; final payments related to the ball mill and associated hydrosizers, transport and installation thereof; plant operating spares and reagents; mining costs; and day-to-day operating expenses including diesel.
Premier believes that securing funding through the subscription is the best immediate solution to securing further project funding to see the project start production in late February.
Once production has started, Premier believes that one or more of the alternatives to equity-based funding will materialise.
On this basis, Premier’s current expectation is that it is now fully funded to first production at Zulu.
Key Contracts, Suppliers and Consultants
JR Goddard Contracting (mining contractor); and Stark International Projects (design, procurement, installation and commissioning contractor).
Contact Details for Project Information
Premier African Minerals, tel +27 100 201281 or email info@premierafricanminerals.com.