Premier African Minerals Limited provide a further update on the plant status at the Zulu Lithium and Tantalum Project (“Zulu”) following the announcement made on 8 August 2025.
Zulu Plant
Primary Flotation Plant
The second phase of the OEM plant test run has now been successfully completed. Results confirm that the plant is capable of continuous operation as designed and has been commissioned such that all components are integrated, automated, and supporting the ongoing optimisation process required to consistently achieve saleable concentrate grades. Both the OEM and Zulu are satisfied with the significant progress achieved.
Saleable concentrate requires a spodumene concentrate grade of more than 5% Li₂O (“Saleable Concentrate”). The Zulu plant has already achieved Saleable Concentrate on multiple occasions, recording grades of up to 6.2% Li₂O. Ongoing optimisation is expected to deliver this result on a consistent basis.
While optimisation will continue, as is normal for any producing plant, the Company is confident that the operation has now transitioned from the commissioning phase into the refining and optimisation stage, marking the beginning of Zulu’s growth and operational chapter.
Secondary Flotation Plant
Following a review of the recent test run results, and given changes to certain operating parameters since last year’s test work, the Board has decided to postpone the purchase of the Secondary Flotation Plant. This will allow the newly appointed Managing Director to fully assess the rationale and potential benefits of proceeding with the investment.
Prepayment and Offtake Agreement
On the 23 April 2025 the Company announced that a non-binding letter of interest had been concluded. The large trading house concerned has now conducted a second site visit and has confirmed that the minimum requirements for their purchase of spodumene is Saleable Concentrate. Further updates will follow.
George Roach, CEO commented, “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, with the potential to transition Zulu from its current position to sustained profitability. Achieving full optimisation and settling outstanding debt will involve securing additional funding and continuing to apply strong, strategic management.
In this regard, the negotiations outlined in the letter of intent will be important and pivotal. These are expected to commence in the immediate future and we will update accordingly.”
