Trymore Tagwirei

Premier African Minerals Limited has received interim results from a third-party audit of its Zulu Lithium plant, confirming that while the project’s overall processing design is fundamentally sound, improvements are needed—particularly in the existing flotation plant.

The audit, first announced on 30 October 2025, reviewed the entire Zulu Lithium processing facility, including infrastructure that could be retained in the plant’s new configuration.

Premier and the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) behind the current flotation plant are now reviewing the interim findings. A final update will be released once both parties reach agreement on the conclusions.

The company said the interim results reinforce its earlier decision to acquire, install and commission a 15–20 tonnes-per-hour flotation cell plant from Xinhai Technology Processing EPC.

According to Premier, the new plant offers the highest likelihood of achieving commercially viable production in the shortest possible timeframe.

Premier is also awaiting the OEM’s assessment on whether the existing flotation plant can be reconfigured to operate alongside the incoming Xinhai unit.

Managing Director Graham Hill said the audit has already provided important guidance.

“The Audit Report findings include practical suggestions for improving overall plant operational performance and comments on the suitability and configuration of certain aspects of the plant, particularly the current flotation plant design, on which we await the OEM’s conclusions.

“The general consensus is that the overall design of the Zulu Lithium plant processing technology is appropriate and that the Zulu Lithium ore is definitely amenable to processing by the selected route.

Our immediate priority is the Xinhai Flotation Plant, as it offers the strongest assurance of achieving the earliest possible commercial production at Zulu Lithium,” said Hill.

Premier also confirmed ongoing discussions with potential lenders and alternative offtake funders regarding the possible restructuring or purchase of the prepayment amount and accrued interest under its Offtake Agreement.

However, the company cautioned that any financing agreement will require the Zulu plant to demonstrate continuous and consistent production at the required grade and tonnage. There is no guarantee the negotiations will lead to a successful outcome.

Premier African Minerals Limited (AIM: PREM) is a multi-commodity natural resources company with projects in Zimbabwe and Mozambique.

Its portfolio includes lithium, tungsten, rare earth elements, tantalum and gold, along with a 19% stake in Namibia’s Otjozondu Manganese Mining Project.