REG - Premier African Min. - New Mineral Resource Statement Zulu
09/02/2024 07:00
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RNS Number : 5629C Premier African Minerals Limited 09 February 2024
9 February 2024
Premier African Minerals Limited
New Mineral Resource Statement Zulu
Premier African Minerals Limited ("Premier" or the "Company"), is pleased to
report a new SAMREC compliant Mineral Resource Estimate ("MRE" or "Mineral
Resource Estimate") on its wholly owned Zulu Lithium and Tantalum Project
("Zulu"). The previous Mineral Resource Estimate issued on 6 June 2017 is
simultaneously withdrawn.
Highlights
Ø This MRE is concerned with those areas of the Zulu tenements that are expected
to be mined and processed through the present plant only and excludes the
greater EPO area.
Ø This MRE estimates Li(2)O that is contained in spodumene, specifically Li(2)O
that is attributable to spodumene at 107,366 tonnes and the direct conversion
of the contained Li(2)O to spodumene concentrate 6 (SC6) is 1,789,433 tonnes.
Ø This MRE estimates that the ore body contains 1,045,908 kg of Ta(2)O(5).
Ø On-going Mineral Resource development drilling, with the aim of identifying
extensions to the current MRE and thereto having the potential to add
additional Mineral Resources, is ongoing.
George Roach, CEO commented: "This MRE supports the development of the Zulu
mine on an expedited basis. It underlines our confidence in the medium and
long-term future of this mine and further supports our view that Zulu has the
stand-alone potential to develop a Lithium Sulphate plant. Work continues in
the greater EPO area, and we have now identified areas of future potential
mineralisation and secured those areas in the longer term under new mineral
claims.
It is worth noting that this MRE is based on an assumed 80% of the total
Li(2)O grade of the ore body being attributable to the SQI dominant style of
mineralisation, which is conservative in our opinion and ongoing analysis of
the mineral assemblage may support an increase in this percentage with
potential increases in the contained spodumene. We have previously set out our
expectation that Zulu is likely to produce spodumene concentrates with low
iron and higher spodumene concentrate grades.
Accordingly, we expect to receive a premium for spodumene concentrates
produced at Zulu and this further supports our determination to bring this
plant into production now. Whilst we do not have the ability to recover
tantalite at present, relatively minor plant additions that are under
consideration are expected to see production of Ta(2)O(5) concentrate in the
future.
At the same time, I am pleased to note the arrival at site of all plant
components and in particular the arrival and installation of the new ball
mill. Assembly is expected to complete within the next weeks. Optimisation of
the sorters is ongoing, and we expect the overall plant to be back in
production during February 2024."
Mineral Resource Estimate:
The MRE is based on assay results from 163 drill holes totalling 33,258 metres
(m) drilled between September 2016 and the end of August 2023. This MRE was
carried out by an independent qualified person, Mr Charles Muller of Shango
Solutions (Shango). All available data was verified prior to the development
of the 3-dimensional geological model which was completed utilising Datamine
Studio RM.
The geological model has been developed from extensive drilling, which was
undertaken on a nominal 50 m x 50 m drill spacing, as well similarly spaced
surface trenches. Variography indicates that 50 m spacing of the borehole
pierce points is sufficient for an Indicated Mineral Resource classification.
The MRE set out in Table 1 is prepared in accordance with SAMREC and in
compliance with Appendix 3 of the AIM Note for Mining and Oil & Gas
Companies. In this regard, specific attention is drawn to the fact that Zulu
is expected to produce spodumene concentrate and certain by products. Not all
Li(2)O identified in assay results is contained in spodumene, with ongoing
test work indicating that spodumene accounts for more than 80% of the Li(2)O
grade. Accordingly, the overall tonnage of the Mineral Resource is reduced to
reflect only the contained Li(2)O that is associated with spodumene. Premier
is the Operator and 100% owner of Zulu such that the gross and net
attributable MRE attributable to Premier is the same.
Table 1: Mineral Resource Statement for Zulu Project - 31(st) January 2024
Grade Metal
Tonnage
Li(2)O Ta(2)O(5) Li(2)O Ta(2)O(5)
Category Mt
% g/t t kg
Indicated
14.78 0.45 43.83 66,498 647,687
Inferred
9.97 0.41 39.95 40,869 398,222
Indicated and Inferred
24.75 0.43 42.20 107,366 1,045,908
Notes
i. Losses: delineated pegmatites contain 80% spodumene - tonnage is reduced by
20% to reflect the mineral assemblage. In addition, geological losses of 5%
for Indicated Mineral Resources and 10% for Inferred Mineral Resources have
been applied.
ii. The MRE is prepared at a 0 % cut-off grade as all the spodumene is expected to
be recovered.
iii. A density of 2.78 g/cm3 has been utilised.
iv. A depth cut-off of 300 m below surface has been considered based on cost
parameters, although the majority of the pegmatites have only been modelled to
a depth to 200 m.
v. The effective date of the MRE is 31 January 2024
vi. The MRE is based on information compiled by the Company and reviewed by Shango
and prepared in accordance with SAMREC. Mineral Resources are not Mineral
Reserves and have not demonstrated economic viability.
vii. The contained Li2O and Ta205 metal values are rounded, actual grades and
contained metal are accurately stated and any differences in the totals are
due to rounding.
About Zulu:
Zulu comprises 14 mineral claims covering a surface area of 3.5 km² that are
contained within a larger Exclusive Prospecting Order (EPO), and which are
prospective for tantalum and lithium mineralisation. The project is located 80
km as east of Bulawayo. Fort Rixon is some 15 km further to the west of the
project; the nearest village is Pioneer Village n°2, approximately 1 km to
the south of the main deposits.
Geological Setting:
The area of interest is located within the Fort Rixon Greenstone Belt where
the schist belt is north-south trending and tear drop shaped, measuring 30 km
long in and 19 km wide near the broad section near the northern end of the
belt.
The central area of the claims are underlain by Archaean-age schists of the
Bulawayan Supergroup, with serpentinites and banded iron formations at the
base of the Upper Bulawayan Group in the east, and metamorphosed mafic
volcanics (amphibolites) and sediments of the Lower Bulawayan Group to the
west. The principal pegmatites at Zulu (the Main and South pegmatites) are
developed along the contact of the Upper and Lower Bulawayan groups.
Additional pegmatites are developed in the footwall sediments. The
metamorphic grade is retrograde Greenschist facies. In the east of the claims
blocks, epidosites, calc-silicate rocks and gneissic granites prevail. The
northern most part of the EPO is underlain by a post-Bulawayan Supergroup aged
massive granite.
The Zulu pegmatites are typical Lithium-Caesium-Tantalum (LCT) pegmatites.
Outcrop widths for the exposed pegmatites can vary between 1 m to 50 m.
The strikes of the individual pegmatites may varies widely but the South, Main
and NE pegmatites and their subsidiary footwall pegmatites trend approximately
NNE. The short strike length petalite-rich River Pegmatites trend in an
approximate SW-NE direction, while the SE Pegmatites strike in a NW-SE
direction. Although dips can vary locally with each pegmatite, the dip of the
South and Main pegmatites is generally subvertical towards the west, while the
River Pegmatites are dipping subvertical to the NW and the SE Pegmatites
subvertical to the SW.
The South and Main pegmatites have exploited the serpentinite-amphibolites
contact with the subsidiary footwall pegmatites mainly hosted in the
amphibolite sediments. In the east the pegmatites are hosted in granites.
The drilled widths of individual pegmatites can vary from less than a metre to
greater than 20 m in thickness down hole. Occasionally along the contacts
between the pegmatites and the host amphibolites, the individual pegmatites
have undergone intense sodium metasomatism resulting in the formation of a
lithium bearing amphibole called holmquistite.
Lithium Mineralisation at Zulu:
To date, three principal lithium bearing minerals, spodumene, petalite and
lepidolite have been identified in the Zulu pegmatites. Locally the host
rocks of the pegmatites contain noteworthy amounts of holmquistite, a lithium
bearing amphibole.
Tantalum Mineralisation at Zulu:
Many of the lithium bearing pegmatites at Zulu are weakly mineralised with
tantalum with the best mineralised pegmatite being the South Pegmatite (South
Pit) having an overall Indicated Mineral Resource grade of 86 ppm Ta(2)O(5).
The only tantalum bearing mineral observed to date is tantalite. The highest
tantalum grade to date is 3,203 ppm Ta(2)O(5) from a surface trench.
Exploration History:
The pegmatite was first pegged in 1955 by J.S. Willemse. Subsequently the
Rhodesian Selection Trust Co. Ltd. ("RST") took an option on the claims and
carried out an extensive drilling and excavation programme. Although much
development work was carried out, the RST declined to exercise their option on
the claims. In 1961 and 1962 a small quantity of petalite was mined by W.
Burchett in partnership with J.S. Willemse.
In 2010, after decades of no activity, consulting geologist Richard B. Dollar
registered the claims in his name and subsequently carried out diamond
drilling and trenching programmes which were financed by Premier. In 2013 the
Company exercised an option to acquire the claims.
Drilling Techniques and Hole Spacing:
All the boreholes available for the Mineral Resource estimation were diamond
drill boreholes. The drilling and trenching statistics for each exploration
phase are detailed in Table 2.
Table 2: Zulu Drilling Statistics
PROGRAMME Drill Holes Surface Trenches
No. Metres No. Metres
RST (1958) 7 903.9
ZULU - 2011 Exploration 6 2,312.9
ZULU - 2016-2017 43 5,809.1
ZULU - MRE (2021-2023) 143 34,100.2 33 2,534.8
TOTAL 199 43,126.1 33 2,534.8
In 2011, six diamond drill holes totalling 2,312 m were drilled by Ox Drilling
from Zambia. Core diameters ranged from PQ (85 mm) PQ3 (83 mm) and HQ (63.5
mm). The aim of this drilling campaign was to establish continuity of the
pegmatite mineralisation at depth. Four boreholes, totalling 1,153 metres were
surveyed in early 2017 by the new drilling contractor as only two of the six
drill holes had been surveyed in 2011. Several of the holes had partly
collapsed at depth.
The second diamond drilling programme, totalling 43 boreholes and 5,809 m of
drilling, commenced in September 2016 and was completed by February 2017. The
Zimbabwean company Geodrill from Bulawayo supplied and operated one and later
two drill rigs on the project. 5,288 m of downhole surveys were completed for
40 drill holes with three holes not being surveyed due to drill hole
collapses. Drill holes commenced with HQ (63.5 mm) diameter cores in the
weathered zone and once in stable ground, the holes were completed with NQ (47
mm) coring.
The third diamond drilling programme commenced in 2021 and will continue
through 2024. To date, 143 drill holes totalling 34,100.16 m have been
completed. Drill holes are sited on a nominal 50 m x 50 m drill spacing. Holes
are collared and drilled HQ size until the base of the weathered zone, cased
and then completed with NQ-sized coring. Two drill contractors, supplying up
to a six drill rigs, were deployed in 2022.
Sampling:
2016-2017 Drill Programme:
Drill cores were packed into metal core boxes which were secured on the drill
site prior to being transported to the RHA Mine by truck. At the mine, the
core was photographed and logged by Mr Wolfgang Hampel, the then Exploration
Manager of Premier. Pegmatite intersections were marked-up, assigned unique
sample numbers and cut in half, with one half subsequently being quartered. A
diamond saw was utilised to cut the core. The quartered core was bagged for
lithium and tantalum analysis, the balance of the core was stored at the RHA
core shed, until transported to the new Zulu core shed in 2022. The lengths of
the sampled cores varied between 0.16 m and 8.79 m, depending on the lithology
(pegmatite / host rock) and the homogeneity of the pegmatites. Any identified
zoned pegmatites were sampled across their logged mineralogical zones.
2021-2024 Drill Programme:
Drill cores are packed into metal core boxes at the drill site, with core
block markers being inserted into the core boxes after each core run. Core is
then transported to the Zulu core shed by company representatives. In the core
shed, basic core measurements are captured (i.e. core recoveries and Rock
Quality Designation - RQD). The core is then photographed and geologically
logged. All pegmatite intersections, together with 1 m samples in the
immediate hangingwall and footwall of the pegmatite, are marked up for cutting
and sampling. The nominal sampling interval across a pegmatite intersection
was 1 m but, in all cases, geological contacts were respected and no sampling
across contacts took place. Unique sample numbers are assigned to each core
sample. Core is cut in half and half cores were bagged and labelled. Bulk
density determination on 10 cm lengths of core are then measured (Archimedes
Principle) for each sample.
Samples are then transported under company supervision to Antec Laboratories
in Kwekwe, for sample preparation.
Sample Analysis:
To date 10,129 core and trench sample assays have been returned. In addition,
1,528 QA/QC (Quality-Assurance / Quality-Control) samples (blanks, duplicates
and standards), or 15.1% of the analysed core samples were inserted to ensure
adequate QA/QC.
2016-2017 Drill Programme:
All sample preparation was carried out at RHA's sample preparation facility at
the mine. Every sample of quarter core was dried, and its bulk density was
determined using a density scale (Archimedes principle). Samples were crushed
to -4 mm in a jaw crusher and a 200-250 g split was pulverised (minimum of 85%
passing 75 microns (μm)). A 50 g aliquot of the pulverised samples was
labelled and sent to SGS South Africa (Randfontein) for multi-element analysis
(49 elements). SGS code ICM90A Multi Elements by sodium peroxide fusion,
ICP-OES and ICP-MS finishes. The sodium peroxide fusion technique is
considered to be a "total" dissolution technique for lithium-bearing silicate
and tantalum bearing oxide minerals. Detection limits for lithium are 10 ppm
to 10% (i.e. 100,000 ppm) and 0.5 ppm to 1% (i.e. 10,000 ppm) for tantalum.
Certified Reference Material samples (AMIS0343) for lithium and tantalum were
introduced into the sample stream at a rate of 1:16. Blanks were introduced at
the same rate, the blank being sourced from a massive barren quartz vein found
some 8 km from Zulu. A number of core samples from the earlier 2011 drilling
campaign were re-assayed using the method described above. Initially, the
samples of 2011 had only been dissolved using a multi-acid digestion, which is
a semi-quantitative technique and not adequate to dissolve certain minerals
including spodumene and tantalite.
2021-2024 Drill Programme:
Samples were prepared at Antec Laboratories in Zimbabwe. At Antec, samples
were crushed to -2 mm then a 200 g aliquot was pulverised to a minimum
specification of 85% passing 75 μm. Pulverised samples (pulps) were
transported by an independent logistics company to the Premier offices in
Johannesburg, where they were inspected and transported to SGS Lakefield by a
company representative. SGS performed a sodium peroxide fusion with the 51
multi-element analytical finishes (ICP90A50 and IMS90A50). Detection limits
for lithium are 10 ppm to 5% (50,000 ppm) and tantalum 0.5 ppm to 1% (10,000
ppm). QA/QC samples, (i.e. Certified Reference Material, blanks and
duplicates) were inserted on site into the sample stream with each sample
represented with a unique sample number. The QA/QC samples represent 15% of
the total number of samples analysed.
Estimation Methodology:
3-dimensional geological modelling was conducted in Datamine Studio RM on a
lithological basis by an external consultant, Shango. Information utilised to
construct the models was sourced from 194 diamond drill boreholes, 31 trenches
together with surface mapping. All data that was included within the models
were verified and checked prior to modelling. At the time of model development
assays from 163 boreholes were available. Wireframe models were constructed on
lithological parameters as opposed to grade parameters. This method was
imposed in order to remove the effect of holmquistite, which is a lithium
bearing amphibole that is present in the host rock. Therefore, the wireframes
constructed for the geological model only included mineralised pegmatites.
Each of the 27 mineralised pegmatites was modelled separately and subsequently
reviewed by Premier prior to the Mineral Resource estimation.
Each of the 27 mineralised pegmatites was flagged and estimated separately.
The sample data were composited on a 1.5 m basis. For this exercise both
Li(2)O and Ta(2)O(5) were estimated. Statistical analyses were performed
including descriptive statistics, histogram plots, probability plots and
capping of outliers. Spatial variances were modelled in the form of downhole
and planar variograms. Kriging neighbourhood analysis (KNA) determined the
optimal block model cells sizes and search parameters for the estimation
process. Ordinary Kriging (OK) was applied for the grade estimation and
detailed model validations and checks were performed. Visual checks and
various estimation parameters, including search volumes, number of samples,
distance to samples, kriging efficiencies and regression slope, were utilised
to classify the Mineral Resource into Indicated and Inferred categories.
Ongoing metallurgical test work indicated that spodumene accounts for more
than 80% of the contained Li(2)O and the tonnages have been reduced to reflect
only the contained Li(2)O that is associated with spodumene. Test work also
indicated that all of the spodumene will be recovered and therefore a zero
cut-off Li(2)O grade has been applied for the Mineral Resource statement. A
zero cut off is considered applicable to this project as the Mineral Resource
reflects the recovery of mineral (spodumene), as opposed to a metal. A further
5% geological loss has been applied for the Indicated category and 10% for the
Inferred category.
Mineral Resource Classification:
Extensive close-spaced drilling allows that 60% of this MRE falls within the
Indicated category. A combination of results from mining activities and
further in-fill drilling is likely to see an increase in the Indicated
category. Similarly, it is anticipated that the Mineral Resource
classification will likely change to a Reserve classification with ongoing
mining activity and grade control sampling, providing real time confirmation
of the validity of the modifying factors that may be applied to the Mineral
Reserve.
Mining and Metallurgy:
The Company has developed Zulu as an open pit mine. Plant and process design
was based on metallurgical test work conducted by German based
Dorfner-Anzaplan in 2016 and 2022 and is supported by extensive additional
test work undertaken by Geolabs in South Africa and the laboratory established
at Zulu in 2023.
More Information:
Lithium
Lithium (Li) is recovered from minerals such as spodumene, petalite and
lepidolite as well as lithium-rich brines and is used in a range of products
such as ceramics, glass, batteries and pharmaceuticals. Lithium use has
expanded significantly in recent years due to the increasing use in
rechargeable batteries in portable electronic devices and batteries and
electrical motors for hybrid and electrical motor vehicles.
Lithium grades are normally presented in percentages or parts per million
(ppm). Grades of deposits are also expressed as lithium compounds in
percentages, for example as a percent lithium oxide (Li(2)O) content or
percent lithium carbonate (Li(2)CO(3)) content.
At Zulu, SC6 is the product recovered. Zulu will therefore report that the
estimated tonnage of lithium is directly associated with spodumene. This
assumes 100% recovery and no process losses in the concentration of spodumene
in the plant are considered in this MRE.
Lithium standard conversion factors are set out in the Table 3 below:
Table 3: Conversion Factors for Lithium Compounds and Minerals
Convert from Convert Li to Li(2)O to Li(2)CO(3)
Lithium Li 1.000 2.153 5.323
Lithium Oxide Li(2)O 0.464 1.000 2.473
Lithium Carbonate Li(2)CO(3) 0.188 0.404 1.000
The current pricing of Li is set out below (Source: Metal.Com):
i. Spodumene concentrate, SC6 6% Li(2)O, CIF China US$950/t.
ii. Spodumene concentrate, >7% Li(2)O, CIF China: US$1,610/t.
Li content of pure Spodumene concentrate is 8.03%.
Tantalum
The primary source of tantalum is from minerals including tantalite,
columbite, wodginite and microlite which are typically hosted in pegmatite ore
bodies. The largest deposits are located in Australia, Brazil and Africa.
Tantalum's major use is in the production of electronic components, especially
for capacitors, with additional use in components for chemical plants, nuclear
power plants, airplanes and missiles. It is also used as a substitute for
platinum.
The tantalum market is niche in size with around 1,300 tonnes required each
year. However, the market is rapidly growing due to capacitor use in wireless
and handheld devices.
Withdrawal of Previous Mineral Resource Estimate and declaration:
Premier has withdrawn the previous MRE related to Zulu published in 2017 and
which has been superseded by the MRE set out in this announcement and in
particular:
i. The estimation methodology in the 2017 MRE, whilst appropriate at that time
based on the very limited and widely spaced data and early stage of
exploration, is superseded by the extensive data set now available to Zulu;
and
ii. Industry Standard reporting has generally disregarded mineral assemblage in
reporting lithium grade only. Zulu is concerned with the recovery and
production of spodumene only and Shango Solutions considers the reporting of
overall lithium grade, without reference to mineral assemblage as unsuitable
for this project.
Competent Persons Statement:
Mineral Resource Estimate
The scientific and technical information contained in this announcement that
relates to the Mineral Resource Estimate is based on data compiled and
verified by Mr Charles Muller of Shango Solutions, including the sampling,
preparation, security and analytical procedures.
Shango Solutions has reviewed the information in this announcement that
relates to the Mineral Resource Estimate and has confirmed that the
information presented is balanced and complete and not inconsistent with the
reported MRE.
Mr Charles Muller is a Competent Person who is a Professional Natural
Scientist registered with the South African Council for Natural Scientific
Professions (No. 400201/04) and a Fellow of the Geological Society of South
Africa, each of which is a "Recognised Professional Organisation" (RPO). Mr
Charles Muller has sufficient experience that is relevant to the style of
mineralisation and type of deposit under consideration and to the activity
being undertaken to qualify as a Competent Person as defined in the 2014
Edition of the "South African Code for the Reporting of Mineral Resources and
Mineral Reserves". Mr Charles Muller consents to the release of the report and
the information contained therein.
Mr Charles Muller is an employee of Shango Solutions (Shango), registered as
Dunrose Trading 186 (Pty) Ltd and established in April 2004. Shango provides a
diverse range of services to the mineral and mining sectors. Areas of
specialisation include target generation, exploration, geodatabase compilation
and management, geological modelling, resource estimation, mineral asset
valuations, due diligences, desktop project reviews and technical reporting.
Mr Charles Muller provides independent technical geological services to
Premier. Furthermore, Mr Muller has extensive experience in preparing
technical and competent persons' reports for exploration and mining companies.
Mr Charles Muller is not employed by or related to any employees,
representatives or directors of Premier Minerals. In addition, neither Shango
nor its employees have or have had any personal interest in this project
resulting in a conflict of interest.
Geology
Bruce Cumming, a consulting geologist to Premier, has reviewed and approved
this release to the extent that reference is made to the geology and
mineralogy of the Zulu pegmatites. Mr. Cumming is a SACNASP and GSSA
registered geoscientist with 48 years' experience in exploration and project
management, in multicommodity projects throughout Africa.
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 George Roach.
A copy of this announcement is available at the Company's website,
www.premierafricanminerals.com (http://www.premierafricanminerals.com)
Enquiries:
George Roach Premier African Minerals Limited Tel: +27 (0) 100 201 281
Michael Cornish / Roland Cornish Beaumont Cornish Limited Tel: +44 (0) 20 7628 3396
(Nominated Adviser)
Douglas Crippen CMC Markets UK Plc Tel: +44 (0) 20 3003 8632
Toby Gibbs/Rachel Goldstein Shore Capital Stockbrokers Limited Tel: +44 (0) 20 7408 4090
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. The Company has accepted a share offer
by Vortex Limited ("Vortex") for the exchange of Premier's entire 4.8%
interest in Circum Minerals Limited ("Circum"), the owners of the Danakil
Potash Project in Ethiopia, for a 13.1% interest in the enlarged share capital
of Vortex. Vortex has an interest of 36.7% in Circum.
Glossary of Technical Terms:
"Albite" is a sodium rich feldspar and typically is the plagioclase mineral found in
pegmatites.
"Albitite" is a rock consisting almost entirely of albite and quartz. It can be classed
as an alkali-feldspar-granite, however it is usually a high to
medium-temperature metasomatic rock formed by the sodic alteration of various
rocks.
"Amphibole" a group term for various rock forming silicates with the general chemical
formula Ca-Mg-Fe-Al-OH-Si-O.
"Chlorite" a group term for various rock forming silicates
(Mg,Fe)(6)(Si,Al)(4)O(10)(OH)(8.)
"Chlorite facies" metamorphism under certain pressures and temperatures that lead to the
formation of the mineral chlorite.
"Columbite" a black mineral group that is an ore of niobium and tantalum, [(Fe,
Mn)Nb(2)O(6)],
"Epidosite" a highly altered epidote and quartz bearing rock.
"felsic" refers to igneous rocks that are relatively rich in elements that form
feldspar and quartz.
"Indicated Resource" are economic mineral occurrences that have been sampled (from locations such
as outcrops, trenches, pits and drill holes) to a point where an estimate has
been made, at a reasonable level of confidence, of their contained metal,
grade, tonnage, shape, densities, physical characteristics.
"Inferred Resource" that part of a Mineral Resource for which tonnage, grade and mineral content
can be estimated with a low level of confidence. It is inferred from
geological evidence and sampling and assumed but not verified geological
and/or grade continuity. It is based on information gathered through
appropriate techniques from locations such as outcrops, trenches, pits,
workings and drill holes that may be limited or of uncertain quality and
reliability.
"Gneiss/gneissic" a foliated rock formed by regional metamorphism, in which bands or lenticles
of granular minerals alternate with bands or lenticles in which minerals
having flaky or elongate prismatic habits predominate. Generally, less than
50% of the minerals show preferred parallel orientation.
"Holmquistite" is a lithium rich amphibole (Li(2)Mg(3)Al(2)(Si(8)O(22))(OH)(2)).
"K-feldspar" is a general term for potassium bearing feldspars KAlSi(3)O(8), a common rock
forming mineral. Microcline is the low temperature variety found in
pegmatites.
"Lepidolite" is the mineral name for lithium bearing mica KLi(2)Al(Si(4)O(10))(F,OH)(2)
an important ore of lithium.
"Li(2)O" chemical formula of dilithium oxide.
"Lithium Carbonate Equivalent (LCE)" is the industry standard terminology for, and is equivalent to, Li(2)CO(3.)
"mafic" pertaining to or composed dominantly of the ferromagnesian rock-forming
silicates; said of some igneous rocks and their constituent minerals.
"Measured Mineral Resource" that part of a Mineral Resource for which quantity, grade or quality,
densities, shape, and physical characteristics are so well established that
they can be estimated with confidence sufficient to allow the appropriate
application of technical and economic parameters, to support production
planning and evaluation of the economic viability of the deposit. The
estimate is based on detailed and reliable exploration, sampling and testing
information gathered through appropriate techniques from locations such as
outcrops, trenches, pits, workings and drill holes that are spaced closely
enough to confirm both geological and grade continuity.
"Metamorphism" the mineralogical, chemical, and structural adjustment of solid rocks to
physical and chemical conditions that have generally been imposed at depth
below the surface zones of weathering and cementation, and that differ from
the conditions under which the rocks in question originated.
"Metasomatism" the chemical alteration of a rock by hydrothermal and other fluids. It is the
replacement of one rock by another of different mineralogical and chemical
composition. The minerals which compose the rocks are dissolved and new
mineral formations are deposited in their place. Dissolution and deposition
occur simultaneously, and the rock remains solid.
"Mica" is a general term for a group of sheet silicate minerals, it includes several
closely related minerals having nearly perfect basal
cleavage, KAl(2)(Si(3)Al)O(10)(OH,F)(2); micas are common rock forming
minerals.
"Microlite" is a pale-yellow, reddish-brown, or black mineral composed of sodium calcium
tantalum oxide with a small amount of fluorine (Na,Ca)(2)Ta(2)O(6)(O,OH,F);
locally a tantalum ore.
"Mineral Resource" concentration or occurrence of diamonds, natural solid inorganic material or
natural fossilized organic material including base and precious metals, coal,
and industrial minerals in or on the Earth's crust in such form and quantity
and of such a grade or quality that it has reasonable prospects for economic
extraction. The location, quantity, grade, geological characteristics and
continuity of a mineral resource are known, estimated or interpreted from
specific geological evidence and knowledge.
"Mn" is the symbol for the chemical element manganese.
"Pegmatite" an exceptionally coarse-grained igneous rock, with interlocking crystals,
usually found as irregular dikes, lenses, or veins, esp. at the margins of
granitic intrusions.
"Petalite" the mineral name for lithium aluminium silicate LiAl(Si(4)O(10)) an important
ore of lithium.
"Plagioclase" a group term for sodium to calcium dominant feldspars (Na,Ca)(Al,Si)(4)O(8), a
common rock forming silicate mineral.
"ppm" means parts per million.
"Quartz" one of the most common rock forming minerals with the chemical composition
SiO(2) (silicon dioxide).
"SAMREC" is the South African Code for the Reporting of Mineral Resources and Mineral
Reserves.
"Schist" a strongly foliated crystalline rock, formed by dynamic metamorphism, that can
be readily split into thin flakes or slabs due to the well-developed
parallelism of more than 50% of the minerals present, particularly those of
lamellar or elongate prismatic habit, e.g., mica and amphibole.
"Serpentinite" a rock consisting almost wholly of serpentine-group minerals, e.g., antigorite
and chrysotile or lizardite, derived from the alteration of ferromagnesian
silicate minerals, such as olivine and pyroxene. Accessory chlorite, talc, and
magnetite may be present.
"Spodumene" the mineral name for lithium aluminium silicate LiAlSi(2)O(6) an important ore
of lithium.
"Ta(2)O(5)" chemical formula of ditantalum pentoxide.
"Tantalum pentoxide" is the inorganic compound with the formula Ta(2)O(5.)
"Tantalite" a mostly dark grey to black mineral, manganese bearing varieties are called
manganotantalite or tantalite-(Mn) MnTa(2)O(6); a major tantalum ore.
"Wodginite" is a manganese, tin, tantalum oxide mineral with formula Mn(Sn, Ta)Ta(2)O(8),
locally used as a tantalum ore.
Ends
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