Chronicle Editor
Senior Business Writer
STRATEGIC metals and minerals mining firm, Premier African Minerals has indicated that all components for the thickener which is under installation are now either at the site or on the way.
In recent weeks, the firm has been taking delivery of an assortment of strategic plant components and upscaling installment.
In an update on Wednesday, The firm’s chief executive officer Mr George Roach said: “By way of an update on the Zulu plant, all components for the thickener are now either at site or on route.
“The final components and the ball mill are all expected to be loaded for planned departure for site on 29 January 2024. The mill is expected to be factory run on the 26 January 2024 immediately prior to loading.”
Meanwhile, a technical team from Germany is at Zulu to optimise the sorters and in so doing facilitate the removal of waste material that previously led to contamination of concentrates.
A thickener is under installation and this is expected to complement the floatation circuit by improving the density and flow of slurry to the floatation plant.
The new ball mill that has been custom-built for Zulu is expected to depart from South Africa by month end.
“It will represent the last major item to be positioned and connected for a restart of production that is still anticipated in late February 2024.
“By this time, an additional hydro sizer, mill discharge screen, and associated tanks, sumps, and pumps are expected to have been installed,” said Premier in a recent update.
The Zulu Lithium Mine is one of Zimbabwe’s latest investments aimed at boosting the country’s rare earths and mining industry. The milestone follows Premier African Minerals conducting key infrastructure developments including the construction of roads to ease the transportation of mining equipment, products, and workforce.
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Bongani Ndlovu
Online Reporter