Premier African Min. - Operational Update

Premier African Minerals

17/04/2026 07:00

RNS Number : 9158A

Premier African Minerals Limited

17 April 2026

 

17 April 2026

Premier African Minerals Limited

Operational Update   

Premier African Minerals Limited ("Premier" or the "Company") is pleased to provide a further interim update on the ongoing progress at the Zulu Lithium and Tantalum Project ("Zulu Lithium").

Graham Hill, Managing Director, commented: "We are very pleased with the progress being made on site, particularly given the labour-intensive nature of the fabrication and modification work currently underway. The team has responded well to the technical requirements of the Xinhai Flotation Plant design, and the level of on-site execution has been encouraging.

 

Importantly, we are not only advancing installation but also refining and simplifying the plant configuration to support more reliable and efficient operations going forward. This work is critical in positioning Zulu Lithium for sustainable performance once commissioning is complete.

 

While there remains work to be done, we are building momentum across both the new Xinhai Flotation Plant and operational readiness, and we look forward to providing further updates as we move closer to commissioning."

 

Zulu Lithium Operational Update

Progress on the installation and integration of the new Xinhai Flotation Plant continues to be very encouraging. Over the past several weeks, work has primarily focused on labour-intensive, site-based fabrication activities, including the construction of overflow launders, walkways and the interconnecting pipework between flotation cells, as well as the installation of large-diameter air supply piping. Due to the design of the new Xinhai Flotation Plant, these components are required to be fabricated on site, and this work has been carried out by the Zulu Lithium engineering team under the supervision and guidance of the specialist installation engineer from Xinhai Technology Processing.

 

The tailings tank has now been installed, marking a further key step in the overall plant infrastructure. In parallel, the electrical switchgear is nearing completion and is scheduled for factory testing at the manufacturer's facilities later this week. Subject to successful testing, delivery to site will follow, with installation and completion of the electrical works expected over the coming weeks.

 

As part of the ongoing optimisation efforts, fabrication of new conveyor chutes is progressing in order to bypass the previously installed sorting equipment. Following operational review, these sorters were determined to be redundant and contributed unnecessary additional operating costs, including power consumption, manpower and maintenance. Their removal forms part of a broader strategy to simplify plant operations, improve reliability and enhance overall operability. Further modifications are also being undertaken to sections of pipework to bypass the thickener, as well as certain sumps and pumps that have historically presented operational challenges.

 

The mining contractor has returned to site and has commenced dewatering activities within the pits in order to facilitate the recommencement of a very selective mining programme.

 

The Company continues to make progress in building its processing operations team, while detailed commissioning planning is ongoing. Preparations are being made for the arrival of the Xinhai Flotation Plant commissioning engineer, who will support the final stages of plant commissioning and optimisation.

 

The water supply dam remains at full capacity following favourable seasonal rainfall, providing a stable and reliable water source for upcoming commissioning and sustained operational activities.

 

Zimbabwe Lithium Export Suspension

The Company notes recent developments in Zimbabwe's lithium export policy, following the Zimbabwe Government's decision in February 2026 to suspend exports of lithium concentrates and other raw minerals in order to promote in-country beneficiation and address regulatory concerns as announced on the 2 March 2026.

 

Subsequent industry engagement and regulatory clarification indicate that exports are expected to resume under a controlled framework, with approvals and quotas being granted to qualifying producers that meet specified criteria, including compliance with local processing and regulatory requirements.

 

Premier welcomes this pragmatic approach, which supports the continued development of Zimbabwe's lithium sector while recognising the importance of enabling established producers to export concentrate under defined conditions. The Company continues to engage constructively with the relevant authorities and remains focused on aligning its operations with the evolving regulatory framework.

 

Market Abuse Regulations

The information contained within this announcement is deemed by the Company to constitute inside information as stipulated under the Market Abuse Regulations (EU) No. 596/2014 as it forms part of UK Domestic Law by virtue of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018 ("UK MAR").

The person who arranged the release of this announcement on behalf of the Company was Graham Hill.

A copy of this announcement is available at the Company's website, https://premierafricanminerals.com/.

Enquiries: 

Graham Hill
Premier African Minerals Limited
Tel: +27 (0) 100 201 281
Michael Cornish / Roland Cornish
Beaumont Cornish Limited
(Nominated Adviser)
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7628 3396
Douglas Crippen
CMC Markets UK Plc
Tel: +44 (0) 20 3003 8632
Toby Gibbs / Harry Davies-Ball
Shore Capital Stockbrokers Limited
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7408 4090

 

Nominated Adviser Statement

Beaumont Cornish Limited ("Beaumont Cornish"), which is authorised and regulated in the United Kingdom by the Financial Conduct Authority, is acting as nominated adviser to the Company in connection with this announcement and will not regard any other person as its client and will not be responsible to anyone else for providing the protections afforded to the clients of Beaumont Cornish or for providing advice in relation to such proposals. Beaumont Cornish has not authorised the contents of, or any part of, this document and no liability whatsoever is accepted by Beaumont Cornish for the accuracy of any information, or opinions contained in this document or for the omission of any information. Beaumont Cornish as nominated adviser to the Company owes certain responsibilities to the London Stock Exchange which are not owed to the Company, the Directors, Shareholders, or any other person.

Forward Looking Statements

Certain statements in this announcement are or may be deemed to be forward looking statements. Forward looking statements are identified by their use of terms and phrases such as ''believe'' ''could'' "should" ''envisage'' ''estimate'' ''intend'' ''may'' ''plan'' ''will'' or the negative of those variations or comparable expressions including references to assumptions. These forward-looking statements are not based on historical facts but rather on the Directors' current expectations and assumptions regarding the Company's future growth results of operations performance future capital and other expenditures (including the amount. Nature and sources of funding thereof) competitive advantages business prospects and opportunities. Such forward looking statements reflect the Directors' current beliefs and assumptions and are based on information currently available to the Directors. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from the results discussed in the forward-looking statements including risks associated with vulnerability to general economic and business conditions competition environmental and other regulatory changes actions by governmental authorities the availability of capital markets reliance on key personnel uninsured and underinsured losses and other factors many of which are beyond the control of the Company. Although any forward-looking statements contained in this announcement are based upon what the Directors believe to be reasonable assumptions. The Company cannot assure investors that actual results will be consistent with such forward-looking statements. 

Notes to Editors:

Premier African Minerals Limited (AIM: PREM) is a multi-commodity mining and natural resource development company focused on Southern Africa with its RHA Tungsten and Zulu Lithium projects in Zimbabwe.

 

The Company has a diverse portfolio of projects, which include tungsten, rare earth elements, lithium and tantalum in Zimbabwe and lithium and gold in Mozambique, encompassing brownfield projects with near-term production potential to grass-roots exploration.

 

Ends

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