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Premier African Minerals Ltd (LSE:PREM) has received an update from its flotation plant supplier, Enprotec, indicating that no major fundamental changes are required to bring the equipment to optimal performance. Enprotec has been conducting a series of laboratory tests aimed at improving the core processes of the plant. These tests focus on factors such as reagent dosing amounts and points, agitation speeds, flow rates between components, slurry densities, cell residence times, and introducing alternative water sources into the flotation section.
The laboratory tests are expected to conclude by the end of the current week. Once the tests are completed, the timeline for restarting plant operations will be established. Premier African Minerals is closely monitoring the situation, particularly in light of the operational costs at its Zulu lithium project. The company has also reviewed the potential benefits of expanding the flotation plant in the future. According to estimates, such an expansion could bring the mine gate production cost of spodumene concentrate down to approximately US$500 per ton.
George Roach, the chief executive officer of Premier African Minerals, stated that the company will resume operations once the laboratory work is finished and the optimisation issues that have previously hindered production are resolved. He also noted that while the company has been able to reduce its current expenditure due to the plant’s temporary halt, additional funding will still be required, especially to restart production later this month.
The Zulu project remains a central focus for Premier African Minerals, with the goal of producing high-quality spodumene concentrate, a key material in the lithium supply chain. The company is determined to address the issues affecting plant performance and work toward resuming full-scale production. Despite the temporary setbacks, the management remains committed to resolving the technical challenges and optimising the plant for better efficiency and cost management in the long term.
In summary, while Premier African Minerals has faced some operational delays at its Zulu lithium project, the company is taking proactive steps to address these challenges. The ongoing laboratory tests and optimisation efforts are expected to provide solutions that will allow the flotation plant to function at its full potential, with a more cost-effective production model in place for the future.
