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 has advised that its Zulu project should be in full production in January next year.

The company has been progressing solutions for production delays at the project, including installation of a new ball mill in December. 

Premier is, however, struggling to build the civil works required for the new mill while continuing with present operations; therefore, Premier is considering an early cessation of current plant operations with the longer-term goal of production at design capacity not being necessarily delayed.

As a result, the company will not ship concentrates in November and December.

The company has said that it has consulted with its offtake and prepayment partner in this regard, who have several options under these circumstances, including an interim payment of $1.5-million in respect of every month when product commitment is not met.

“Construction of civil works is a major undertaking, and timely completion is essential to ensure the company meets its medium- and longer-term goal of production at full design capacity,” Premier explain.

It adds that current mining and pit development operations continue as normal, as well as exploration in the wider region.

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.