Zulu Lithium embraces Govt beneficiation drive

PREMIER African Minerals has strategically positioned its Zulu Lithium Project in Insiza District, Matabeleland South, to comply with the Government’s beneficiation objectives fully.

The business has already formally submitted a comprehensive value addition roadmap to the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development, it said in an update on Monday morning.

The development comes as the company confirmed that the new spodumene flotation plant was scheduled to arrive on site yesterday (Tuesday, 3 March), marking a significant milestone in Zulu’s quest to produce higher-grade lithium concentrates locally.

In a corporate update released on Monday, Premier African Minerals indicated that it remains in constant dialogue with the ministry following the recent announcement regarding the suspension of lithium concentrate and raw mineral exports.

The company said its long-term strategy has always been aligned with Zimbabwe’s beneficiation policy framework.

Mr Graham Hill, managing director of Premier African Minerals, expressed satisfaction with the progress at Zulu.

“I am extremely pleased to report that following a short delay from the timetable previously announced and after several weeks of planning and mobilisation, we now expect the new spodumene flotation plant to arrive on site on Tuesday, 3 March,” he said.

Mr Hill further revealed that the specialist installation engineer from Xinhai Technology Processing is expected to arrive on site with the Zulu team standing ready to begin assembly immediately upon the plant’s arrival.

The installation will proceed on foundations that have already been constructed, with the commissioning and optimisation scheduled for the second quarter of 2026.

Regarding the regulatory environment, Mr Hill addressed the Government’s recent announcement on mineral exports.

“In the meantime, and in response to certain recent announcements by the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development regarding the suspension of lithium concentrate and raw mineral exports with immediate effect, we are maintaining dialogue with the ministry and remain aligned with Zimbabwe’s beneficiation objectives, having previously presented our value addition roadmap for Zulu,” he said.

The company clarified that its engagement with authorities dates back to 2024, when it formally presented its proposed beneficiation and value addition strategy for Zulu to the Government.

This engagement included outlining the company’s longer-term processing and optimisation plans designed to enhance in-country value addition.

According to the update, additional materials for the construction of access walkways and electrical cables are being separately procured by Zulu as part of the implementation plan and will be delivered during the assembly process of the new plant.

The company reassured stakeholders that, based on its understanding that the ban is targeted at specific issues, the recent suspension is not expected to impede Zulu’s future commercial production strategy as the company progresses with the installation and commissioning of the flotation plant.

Premier African Minerals confirmed that it will continue engaging with the ministry to ensure alignment between Zulu’s operational roadmap and Zimbabwe’s evolving beneficiation policy framework.

The Zulu Lithium and Tantalum Project is one of Zimbabwe’s significant lithium investments, and its successful alignment with Government policy is expected to contribute meaningfully to the country’s vision of deriving maximum benefit from its mineral resources through local value addition.