Premier African Minerals Sees Promising Results in Zulu Lithium Plant Test Run After Floatation Upgrades
Premier African Minerals, an AIM-listed company, has shared an update on the initial test run of its flotation plant at the Zulu Lithium and Tantalum Project in Zimbabwe, following the installation of new spodumene flotation section inserts.
The plant was restarted on July 6, 2025, after the installation of cleaner cell inserts, marking the beginning of the test phase.
However, due to the plant’s prolonged downtime prior to the restart, it took longer than expected to reach operational stability—a necessary condition for meaningful performance assessment.
This stable state was only achieved toward the end of the initial test run, the company explained.
Premier reported positive early signs from the test run. The new inserts successfully reduced the retention time of concentrates in the cleaner section of the plant, as intended by the original equipment manufacturer (OEM).
Notably, there was a measurable improvement in concentrate grade, with some results exceeding the 5% lithium oxide target in the final cleaner cell before reaching the filter press and bagging plant.
However, the improved grade has not yet been matched by a corresponding increase in lithium recovery rates.
Significant amounts of lithium superoxide remain in the tailings, which are being recirculated back into the flotation circuit.
Premier emphasized that achieving a commercially saleable grade remains the immediate priority, with recovery optimisation to follow.
To further refine performance, the initial test run has been paused. The OEM will assume full operational control of the plant during the week starting July 21.
During this period, the test run will restart, aiming to establish a sustained steady-state operation.
This phase will allow a clearer evaluation of the flotation plant’s capabilities and help identify optimisation opportunities to improve recovery rates.
Ongoing maintenance and diagnostic checks are underway to ensure all plant components are functioning properly before the OEM-led test resumes.
“While we are pleased with the progress made, we were understandably frustrated by the time required to bring the plant to a stable operational state,” said Premier CEO George Roach.
“As our OEM has reminded us, this is a complex plant and achieving and maintaining optimal operating conditions takes both time and patience.”
Roach also noted that civil construction for an alternative spodumene flotation section is nearing completion. This secondary circuit will act as both a backup option and a means to expand processing capacity at the Zulu project.
“We remain deeply appreciative of the ongoing support from our contractors, staff, and shareholders,” Roach added.
Premier’s update signals cautious optimism as the company advances efforts to establish reliable production and unlock value from one of Zimbabwe’s most promising lithium deposits.
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