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Highlights:

  • Premier African Minerals to begin second Zulu plant test run on 4 August 2025
  • Plant optimisation targets sustained 22-day monthly availability at Zulu operation
  • OEM teams and Zulu personnel finalising parameters and completing pre-run adjustments

Premier African Minerals Limited (AIM: PREM) has issued an operational update regarding the status of its Zulu Lithium and Tantalum Project (“Zulu”) in Zimbabwe. The company has confirmed that the second phase of the Zulu plant test run is scheduled to commence on Monday, 4 August 2025. This follows the company's previous announcement on 25 July 2025. The upcoming test phase will include participation from original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) alongside the Zulu project team. The primary focus during this stage will be the finalisation of operating parameters needed to produce spodumene concentrate that meets the required specifications. The alignment between Zulu personnel and OEM suppliers is expected to guide further optimisation efforts across the remaining sections of the processing plant.

One of the key objectives of the test run is to achieve a steady-state operation, allowing the plant to target the originally projected availability rate of 22 operating days per month. This availability figure is considered necessary to support anticipated production levels at the site. Ahead of the second test run, the Zulu and OEM teams have been conducting routine inspections, scheduled maintenance, and modifications within the spodumene floatation circuit. One specific change involves adjustments to flow control systems aimed at improving efficiency. Additionally, Premier African Minerals noted the potential reintroduction of a flotation reagent previously used in 2024, which may be employed depending on test results and process requirements.

George Roach, CEO of Premier African Minerals, stated that the current efforts are focused on system readiness and parameter alignment before the test run begins. He added that the adjustments underway are intended to support further progress in stabilising operations at the Zulu plant. The announcement is classified as inside information under the UK Market Abuse Regulations (UK MAR). George Roach was identified as the individual responsible for arranging the release of the information on behalf of the company.

PREM is trading 9.64% higher at GBX 0.031 per share as of 4 August 2025.