Premier African Minerals (AIM: PREM) has delayed the planned restart of operations at its Zulu Lithium and Tantalum Project after discussions with Canmax Technologies over an extension to the project’s Long Stop Date took longer than expected.
The company had previously hoped to recommence plant operations during July but said this will now only take place once negotiations have concluded and the agreed terms have been formally announced. A revised operating timetable will be provided thereafter.
Premier said mining and stockpiling activities continue at Zulu, with the company building run-of-mine ore inventories ahead of the next production and optimisation campaign. Management believes establishing a larger ore stockpile before restarting the plant will make more efficient use of resources and improve the effectiveness of sustained operations.
During processing activities in June, the company identified several opportunities to improve plant reliability and operability. Engineering teams have since completed a series of modifications, upgrades and maintenance works across the processing plant.
Premier said discussions with Canmax remain constructive, with the Chinese group reviewing operational and commissioning data from the upgraded flotation circuit alongside broader technical progress at Zulu. While the board remains optimistic that an extension can be agreed, it cautioned there is no certainty over either the outcome or the terms of any agreement.
The company said securing an extension to the Long Stop Date and successfully completing the next production and optimisation campaign would represent important milestones in demonstrating sustained plant performance and supporting ongoing discussions with potential strategic investors for the future development of the Zulu project.
