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 at Premier’s Zulu project 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 the use of multiple ore sorters.

Stockpiles of tantalum-, petalite- and mica-/lepidolite-rich material will facilitate further test work 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 Africa Minerals has advised that first production at the Zulu lithium and tantalum project is behind schedule; however, the company is confident that the issues causing delays will be resolved in due course.

The first issue relates to an outstanding final approval from a Zimbabwean authority, which is working closely with the project’s team to provide approval as soon as possible.

The second issue causing a delay relates to delivery of one outstanding reagent.

The reagent was short-ordered owing to an error on the part of the plant supplier. While the reagent is freely available, it is hard to come by in Africa and complications related to airfreight of a chemical substance have resulted in a delay.

Premier explains it needs the reagent to improve the grade of spodumene concentrate produced.

Key Contracts, Suppliers and Consultants
None stated.

Contact Details for Project Information
Premier African Minerals, tel +27 100 201281 or email info@premierafricanminerals.com.