Online Reporter
Nqobile Bhebhe, Zimpapers Business Hub
PREMIER African Minerals has announced a breakthrough at its Zulu Lithium Project in Fort Rixon, as the plant transitions from commissioning to a refining and optimisation phase — marking a significant milestone in Zimbabwe’s expanding lithium production sector.
Lithium refining and optimisation focus on maximising recovery from various sources (such as brines and hard rock) while minimising environmental impact and cost. This process involves several stages, including extraction, purification, and conversion into usable compounds.
The Zulu Lithium and Tantalum Project, developed by Premier African Minerals, has faced considerable operational and financial challenges but has recently recorded encouraging progress.
Although 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 implementing upgrades to the plant.
In its latest update, the company revealed that a major 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 grade of at least five percent lithium oxide (Li2O). Spodumene concentrate is a vital lithium-bearing mineral used in battery production.
Premier stated that the Zulu plant has already achieved this benchmark on multiple occasions, with grades peaking at 6,2 percent Li?O. Optimisation efforts are expected to ensure consistent production at these levels.
The company also confirmed the successful completion of the second phase of the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) plant test run, demonstrating that the plant 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 is typical with any producing facility, we are now reassured that the process has moved from a commissioning phase to one of refining and optimisation. We now look forward to the growth and operational chapter of Zulu,” the company stated.
Premier further 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. This will allow 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 and presents an opportunity to transition Zulu from its current position to sustained profitability. Achieving full optimisation and settling outstanding debt will require securing additional funding and maintaining strong, strategic management.
“In this regard, the negotiations outlined in the letter of intent will be important and pivotal. These are expected to commence imminently, and we will provide updates 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 global demand for clean energy solutions continues to surge, lithium has become one of the most sought-after minerals, with countries positioning themselves strategically within its supply chain.
Although the broader lithium market remains volatile, it holds long-term promise, driven by advancements in battery technology, electric vehicles, and renewable energy storage.
Premier’s ability to deliver a stable supply of battery-grade lithium from Zimbabwe could enhance the country’s reputation as an attractive investment destination for energy minerals.
The developments at Zulu therefore represent not only a milestone for Premier African Minerals but also a boost to Zimbabwe’s ambitions to become a leading player in the global lithium market — creating opportunities for exports, investment, and industrial growth.
Bongani Ndlovu