Zulu Lithium banks 5 000 tonnes as plant installation nears completion

Nqobile Bhebhe

PREMIER African Minerals, the company behind the Zulu Lithium Project, has completed installation of new flotation cells, marking a major milestone towards commissioning and production.

The development signals growing momentum at the lithium project in Fort Rixon, with the company confirming that operational readiness activities are now underway, including the rollout of a detailed commissioning plan and mobilisation of its process engineering team.

Zulu Lithium said it has stockpiled about 5 000 tonnes of ore on the run-of-mine (ROM) pad, which will be used during the initial commissioning phase, with additional ore supplies expected thereafter.

In a trading update released on Wednesday, the company said commissioning and optimisation remain on track for the second quarter of 2026, targeting steady-state production of on-spec spodumene concentrate.

“Installation of the new flotation cells has been completed, with all units now aligned, levelled and connected. This critical phase was undertaken under the supervision of the manufacturer’s installation engineer and is essential to ensure effective gravity-driven material flow through the flotation circuit,” said the company.

It added that supporting infrastructure works are progressing well, including fabrication and installation of structural steel walkways and flotation launders, as well as the erection of supporting steel structures to ensure safe plant access.

New pumps for both product and tailings streams have also been installed, while pipework integration with existing infrastructure is underway. The motor control switchgear is being assembled off-site and will undergo factory acceptance testing before delivery, expected within the next two weeks.

Managing director Graham Hill said the progress reflects increasing operational readiness as the project edges closer to production.

“It is positive to see the increasing levels of operational readiness, including the mobilisation of the process engineering team and the availability of ore on the ROM pad to support early commissioning activities, utilising material already mined and at no additional cost to the company,” he said.

He added that the focus remains on delivering commissioning and optimisation in the second quarter and transitioning the project to steady-state production.