REG - Premier African Min. - Operational Update

Premier African MineralsAnnouncement

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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/
(https://premierafricanminerals.com/) .

Enquiries:

 Graham Hill                         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 / 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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