Name of the Project
Zulu lithium/tantalum project pilot plant.

Location
Fort Rixon, Zimbabwe.

Project Owner/s
Premier African Minerals.

Project Description
The Zulu project comprises 14 mineral claims covering a surface area of 3.5 km².

The latest mineral resource statement on the project states an indicated and inferred resource of 24-million tonnes grading 0.43% lithium oxide and 42% tantalum pentoxide

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 announced a subscription for 1.21-billion new ordinary shares on April 11 at an issue price of 0.17p apiece to raise £2-million on or about April 17.

The company will use the proceeds for working capital and to finalise changes to the material flow through the flotation plant of the Zulu project, which is being commissioned.

The changes will eliminate restrictions on potential spodumene concentrate production and ensure that the plant can efficiently function according to design tonnage.

Premier expects the required piping and valves in this regard to be fitted by the end of April 2024.

The company continues to engage with Zimbabwe-based lenders for working capital facilities, which will be easier to secure once the Zulu plant can demonstrate a steady state of production. 

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.