daniel chigunwe
Business writer
PREMIER African Minerals says operations at its Zulu Lithium project in Insiza District, Matabeleland South Province, are set to resume in earnest when laboratory work has been completed and optimisation issues resolved.
Early this year, Premier African Minerals — the United Kingdom headquartered firm that owns Zulu, was seeking £2,4 million (US$3,15 million) to fund the project.
Recently, the operation has been undergoing plant modification and Enprotec, the supplier of the floatation plant informed Premier that no additional fundamental changes are anticipated to the currently installed plant and equipment.
The mining group’s chief executive officer, George Roach noted: “Premier will run the plant when the laboratory work has been completed and when we have resolved the optimisation issues that have prevented proper production to date.
“Whilst this has reduced current expenditure, the company will still need further funding and in particular to recommence production later this month.”
Though not verified by an independent firm, Premier estimates that an enlarged float plant could result in a target mine gate production cost for spodumene concentrate of circa US$500 per tonne.
Premier has announced the successful production of saleable spodumene concentrate from the floatation circuit at Zulu with a constant improvement in grade.
The mine group targets production at 50 tonnes of spodumene concentrate per day with an anticipated increase in output.
In addition, Premier has maintained a target full projected capacity of 4 000 tonnes per month.
Spodumene is a lithium ore crucial for battery production in electric vehicles, and features a high lithium concentration.
Lithium is also a strategically important mineral for Zimbabwe the Government expects would be significant in driving the growth and development of the mining industry, one of the cornerstones of the country’s economy.
Bongani Ndlovu