Premier African Minerals says Zimbabwe’s recent suspension of lithium concentrate exports will not derail commercial plans at its Zulu Lithium and Tantalum Project, insisting the operation remains largely insulated due to its alignment with Government’s value-addition thrust.
In a statement, issued yesterday, Premier African Minerals said it had already structured its strategy in line with the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development’s policy direction.
“Premier notes the Government of Zimbabwe’s decision to suspend the export of lithium concentrates and other raw minerals. The Zulu Lithium and Tantalum Project has from inception, been configured to support value addition within Zimbabwe and is therefore largely insulated from the immediate impact of this measure,” the company said.
The mining firm said it remains fully committed to advancing local processing capacity and strengthening collaboration with authorities to ensure compliance with national objectives.
“We have aligned our operational and commercial strategy with the Ministry of Mines’ beneficiation agenda.
Our focus has consistently been on establishing sustainable, in-country processing capabilities that enhance value and contribute meaningfully to Zimbabwe’s economic development,” the statement read.
Premier confirmed that installation and commissioning of its new spodumene flotation plant is progressing, describing the development as a key milestone toward commercial production.
“The Company is proceeding with the installation and commissioning of the spodumene flotation plant at Zulu.
This plant is central to our beneficiation strategy and positions the project to transition into commercial production in line with regulatory expectations,” it said.
Management added that it remains in active engagement with Government authorities and does not foresee the export suspension impeding future operations once the plant becomes fully operational.
“Premier continues to engage constructively with the relevant ministries and regulatory bodies.
Based on these engagements and our current development trajectory, management does not expect the suspension of exports to impede future commercial production from Zulu once the flotation plant is operational,” read the statement.
The company reiterated its long-term commitment to Zimbabwe’s mining sector, emphasising that the Zulu project remains on course despite policy shifts aimed at tightening oversight of mineral exports and accelerating domestic value addition.
