Online Reporter
Nqobile Bhebhe
Zimpapers Business Hub
Premier African Minerals has announced a breakthrough at its Zulu lithium project in Fort Rixon — Matabeleland South Province, with the plant now transitioning from commissioning to a refining and optimisation phase.
This marks a significant step forward in Zimbabwe’s growing lithium production sector.
Lithium refining and optimisation focus on maximising lithium recovery from various sources (brines, hard rock) while minimising environmental impact and cost.
This involves various stages like extraction, purification and conversion to usable compounds.
Lithium is crucial for modern technology, especially for lithium-ion batteries, which power electric vehicles, mobile phones and other electronic devices.
It’s also used in medical treatment for bipolar disorder and is being explored for conditions like dementia and Alzheimer’s.
Zimbabwe’s lithium resources hold significant importance for its mining sector, the biggest source of exports, and national economy, with the potential to drive both economic development and the green energy transition.
The Zulu Lithium and Tantalum Project, developed by Premier African Minerals, has faced significant operational and financial challenges but has recently seen some positive developments.
While the project experienced production delays due to technical issues at the lithium processing plant and struggled to meet delivery deadlines with its offtake partner, Canmax Technologies, Premier has secured new funding and is undertaking upgrades to the plant.
In the latest update, the company revealed that a large international trading house, which recently conducted a second site visit, confirmed that its key requirement, the production of saleable spodumene concentrate, had been met.
Saleable concentrate requires a spodumene concentrate with a minimum grade of five percent lithium oxide (Li₂O).
Spodumene concentrate is a key lithium-bearing mineral used in the production of batteries.
Premier said the Zulu plant has already achieved this benchmark on several occasions, with grades peaking at 6,2 percent Li₂O, and optimisation work is expected to ensure consistent production at these levels.
In its latest update, Premier confirmed the successful completion of the second phase of the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) plant test run, which demonstrated that it can now operate continuously, with all components fully commissioned, integrated and automated.
Both the OEM and the Zulu team expressed satisfaction with the progress.
“While the operations of the Primary Flotation Plant will involve ongoing optimisation as would normally be expected with any producing plant, we are now reassured that the process has moved from a commissioning phase to that of refining and optimising as we now look forward to the growth and operational chapter of Zulu,” the company said.
Premier also indicated that following a review of test results and changes in operating parameters, the board has decided to postpone the purchase of a secondary flotation plant, allowing the newly appointed managing director time to reassess the strategy.
Chief executive officer George Roach expressed optimism about Zulu’s growth trajectory.
“We are pleased with the progress made so far and remain focused on advancing Zulu from its current early stage to the diversified industrial minerals producer we believe it can become.
“The recent rise in spodumene pricing is encouraging, with the potential to transition Zulu from its current position to sustained profitability.
“Achieving full optimisation and settling outstanding debt will involve securing additional funding and continuing to apply strong, strategic management.
“In this regard, the negotiations outlined in the letter of intent will be important and pivotal. These are expected to commence in the immediate future and we will update accordingly,” said Mr Roach.
Lithium, often referred to as “white gold,” is a critical mineral in the global energy transition, powering rechargeable batteries used in electric vehicles, mobile phones and renewable energy storage systems.
As demand for clean energy solutions continues to surge worldwide, lithium has become one of the most sought-after minerals, with countries positioning themselves strategically in its supply chain.
The broader lithium market, while currently volatile, continues to hold long-term promise with battery technology, electric vehicles and renewable energy storage driving global demand.
Premier’s ability to deliver a stable supply of battery-grade lithium from Zimbabwe could boost the country’s growing reputation as an attractive investment destination for energy minerals.
The developments at Zulu therefore not only represent a milestone for Premier African Minerals but also strengthen Zimbabwe’s ambitions to become a leading player in the global lithium market, creating opportunities for exports, investment, and industrial growth.
dyton mupawaenda