WATCH: Premier African Minerals speeds up flotation plant construction at Zulu Lithium

CONSTRUCTION of the new flotation plant at Premier African Minerals Limited’s Zulu Lithium project in Fort Rixon is gathering momentum, with management expressing confidence that the upgrades will significantly improve operations.

In an operational update, the company’s managing director, Mr Graham Hill, said progress at the site remained encouraging, driven by a highly capable engineering team.

“I am very pleased with the continued progress being made by the engineering team. The team has continued to demonstrate strong technical capability and commitment in advancing Zulu Lithium,” he said.

Mr Hill said completion of the new Xinhai flotation plant, together with targeted upgrades to existing infrastructure, would mark an important milestone in stabilising production.

“Completion of the new Xinhai Flotation Plant, together with targeted upgrades across the existing operations, is expected to position Zulu Lithium to demonstrate the ability to produce a consistent, quality spodumene concentrate, to the benefit of all stakeholders.

“Commissioning and optimisation activities remain firmly on track for completion during Q2.”

The company said construction of the spodumene flotation plant is progressing steadily, with critical operational upgrades being implemented simultaneously to improve plant reliability and efficiency.

Key electrical infrastructure, including switchgear and control panels, has already been delivered, installed and is nearing final commissioning.

Following successful factory testing, the equipment has been mounted on a platform adjacent to the plant, with power cabling completed and connections to drive motors at an advanced stage.

The manufacturer is expected on site soon to conduct final testing.
Mechanical works are also nearing completion, with piping connections to both the concentrate froth pump and tailings pump almost complete.
Installation of the primary air manifold, which will supply air to the flotation cells, is also at an advanced stage.

“In parallel, additional piping modifications within the existing plant are progressing, aimed at delivering improvements to operability and reducing historical bottlenecks,” the company said.
Commissioning activities have already started in sections of the plant, particularly within the crushing and milling circuit, where conveyor systems are being brought back into operation.

“Commissioning activities are now underway across the crushing and milling circuit, with conveyor systems being brought back into operation. Testing of the newly installed bypass chutes, replacing the previously utilised sorting equipment, has been completed successfully to date.”

The latest developments indicate steady progress towards full plant commissioning, positioning the Zulu Lithium project closer to achieving stable and consistent production of spodumene concentrate.