Name of the Project
Zulu lithium/tantalum project pilot plant.

Location
Fort Rixon, Zimbabwe.

Project Owner/s
UK-based mining and exploration company Premier African Minerals.

Project Description
The Zulu project comprises 14 mineral claims covering a surface area of 3.5 km2.

The proposed pilot plant has a nameplate throughput of up to 190 t/h; however, it is planned to run at a more conservative 140 t/h at inception.

The pilot plant will use state-of-the-art, sensor-based ore-sorting technologies that will facilitate the separation of run-of-mine material into components and, in so doing, will likely increase available capacity in the flotation recovery circuits, where lithium minerals are recovered.

Ultimate production and recoveries are a factor of many variables, and the pilot plant is likely to assist in dealing with these variables, owing to the inherent flexibility of using multiple ore sorters.

Stockpiles of tantalum-, petalite- and mica-/lepidolite-rich material will facilitate further testwork and flowsheet development to ensure that this material is truly inventory for later profitable recovery.

Potential Job Creation
Not stated.

Net Present Value/Internal Rate of Return
Not stated.

Capital Expenditure
Not stated.

Planned Start/End Date
Not stated.

Latest Developments
Premier African Minerals has reported that the commissioning of a second phase of the processing plant is progressing on schedule, including optimisations that are having promising results in terms of concentrate recovery.

The company expects to make a final decision on how soon, if at all, it will buy a secondary spodumene float section, after having installed initial spodumene float section inserts in July. The inserts have demonstrated a reduction in the retention time of concentrates in the cleaner section of the original float plant.

Premier’s priority is to achieve a commercially saleable grade and then optimise for recovery.

It is also working on resolving two remaining plant issues requiring longer-term solutions, including the replacement of sorters that are not fit for purpose and completion of a tantalum recovery circuit.

Several parties have indicated interest to buy tantalum and potentially assist with the cost of the circuit.

Key Contracts, Suppliers and Consultants
JR Goddard Contracting (mining contractor); and Stark International Projects (design, procurement, installation and commissioning contractor).

Contact Details for Project Information
Premier African Minerals, tel +27 100 201281 or email info@premierafricanminerals.com.