By: Creamer media

The company expects to make a final decision on how soon, if at all, it will buy a secondary spodumene float section, after installing initial spodumene float section inserts in July.

The inserts have demonstrated the reduction of retention time of concentrates in the cleaner section of the original float plant.

Premier’s priority is to achieve a commercially saleable grade and then optimise for recovery.

Premier is also solving for two remaining plant issues requiring longer-term solutions, including replacement of sorters that are not fit for purpose and completion of a tantalum recovery circuit.

The company says several parties have indicated interest to buy tantalum and potentially assist with the cost of the circuit.

CEO George Roach says he is pleased with progress having been made on the plant and remains confident as ever in the final successful conclusion of this phase of the project despite having experienced frustration getting the processing plant into a constant running state.