By: Creamer media

The company confirms that the plant is now able to run continuously as intended, with all plant components having been fully commissioned and operating.

The now integrated and automated plant supports the ongoing optimisation that is necessary for Premier to meet saleable concentrate grade.

Premier set out to first achieve commercially saleable grade and then optimise for recovery.

Saleable concentrate requires a spodumene concentrate with more than 5% lithium oxide, but the plant has so far achieved grades of up to 6.2% from the test runs. With ongoing optimisation, these grades will be achieved consistently.  

Moreover, Premier has elected to postpone the purchase of a secondary flotation plant to allow for more assessment and benefit evaluation by the company’s newly appointed MD Graham Hill.

The company is in the process of securing an offtake agreement with a large trading house on the back of requirements met for saleable spodumene concentrate.

“We are pleased with the progress made so far and remain focused on advancing Zulu from its current early stage to the diversified industrial minerals producer we believe it can become.

“The recent rise in spodumene pricing is encouraging, with the potential to transition Zulu from its current position to sustained profitability. Achieving full optimisation and settling outstanding debt will involve securing additional funding and continuing to apply strong, strategic management,” says CEO George Roach.

In this regard, the negotiations outlined in the letter of intent will be important and pivotal. These are expected to start in the immediate future.