Source: Zulu lithium project makes good progress towards commissioning – herald
Nqobile Bhebhe
Zimpapers Business Hub
PREMIER African Minerals says its Zulu Lithium project in Fort Rixon has accumulated approximately 5 000 tonnes of ore on the run-of-mine (ROM) stockpile, positioning the company for imminent commissioning activities.
The stockpile will be utilised during the initial commissioning phase, with additional ore to be supplied thereafter, as the lithium firm accelerates operational readiness processes.
The Zulu Lithium project has faced significant challenges, including technical failures in its spodumene flotation circuit, leading to missed production targets, funding shortfalls and mounting debt.
In an operational update on Wednesday, the company said commissioning and optimisation remain targeted for the second quarter of 2026, to achieve steady-state production of on-spec spodumene concentrate.
The firm indicated that operational readiness activities are advancing, including the development of a detailed commissioning plan and the mobilisation of the process engineering team.
Managing director Mr Graham Hill said the availability of ore on site, combined with progress on plant readiness, places the project in a strong position.
“It is positive to see the increasing levels of operational readiness, including the mobilisation of the process engineering team and the availability of ore on the ROM pad to support early commissioning activities, utilising material already mined and at no additional mining cost to the Company.”
“We remain focused on delivering commissioning and optimisation during Q2 and moving the project towards steady-state production of spodumene concentrate.”
Spodumene concentrate is a key lithium-bearing mineral used in the production of batteries.
Zimbabwe’s lithium sector remains strategically significant. The country is Africa’s largest lithium producer and ranks among the top 10 globally, benefiting from rising demand linked to electric vehicle batteries and energy storage.
Mining accounts for roughly 12–15 percent of Zimbabwe’s gross domestic product and is the country’s largest source of foreign currency earnings, underscoring the importance of stabilising flagship projects such as Zulu.
Meanwhile, the company has completed the installation of the new flotation cells, a critical component of the processing plant.
“Installation of the new flotation cells has been completed, with all units now aligned, levelled and connected.
“This critical phase was undertaken under the supervision of the manufacturer’s installation engineer and is essential to ensure effective gravity-driven material flow through the flotation circuit,” reads part of the update.
Additional works to integrate the flotation plant with existing infrastructure are also progressing.
“Following the delivery of materials for the fabrication of structural steel walkways and flotation launders, on-site fabrication by the Zulu Lithium team has progressed well. Installation of the launders is now underway, alongside the erection of supporting steel structures for safe plant access.
“The new pumps for both product and tailings streams have been successfully installed on their respective plinths. In parallel, the piping team has mobilised to the site and commenced installation of the pipework required to integrate the new flotation plant with existing infrastructure.
“The motor control switchgear is currently being assembled off-site and will undergo factory acceptance testing prior to delivery. Delivery to the site remains on schedule and is expected within the next two weeks,” the firm said.
Premier is a multi-commodity mining and natural resource development company focused on Southern Africa with its RHA Tungsten and Zulu Lithium projects in Zimbabwe.
The company has a diverse portfolio of projects, which include tungsten, rare earth elements, lithium and tantalum in Zimbabwe and lithium and gold in Mozambique, encompassing brownfield projects with near-term production potential to grass-roots exploration.
The post Zulu lithium project makes good progress towards commissioning appeared first on Zimbabwe Situation.