REG - Premier African Min - Zulu Assay Results Update
01/07/2022 07:00
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RNS Number : 9291Q Premier African Minerals Limited 01 July 2022
1 July 2022
Premier African Minerals Limited
Zulu Assay Results Update
Premier African Minerals Limited ("Premier" or the "Company"), is pleased to
report on assay results at Premier's Zulu Lithium and Tantalum Project
("Zulu").
Highlights:
· Multiple wide high-grade zones intersected
· Early QXRD data confirms Spodumene as dominant Lithium mineral
George Roach, CEO commented, "The detailed results set out below are
impressive. Similarly, the early QXRD work confirms our view that the Zulu
deposit is predominately spodumene. Notable is the pervasive Tantalum and
Rubidium presence. The results reported on are from boreholes within the
existing resource area and are part of the ongoing programme that is intended
to upgrade confidence in the original resource estimate from an inferred level
to an indicated level. At the same time, we have reviewed all the previous
work done prior to January 2022, adjusted the geological model as indicated
and we are in the process of revalidating many of the previously obtained
assay results. The work to date has provided the level of confidence we needed
internally to support the pilot plant concept as recently announced. In fact,
what we are now understanding about the Zulu deposit is entirely complementary
to the use of sensor-based ore sorting and in time is likely to result in a
most efficient and effective process.
It is worth noting that these results below are likely indicative of more than
2,000 outstanding assays now starting to come through. To date since the
commencement of the DFS programme, we have completed 82 holes and 18,466 m.
Much of the recent drilling has been at close-spaced centres of approximately
50 m and it is this intensity that supports our confidence in this section of
the resource. It should be noted that these results are all confined within
the original claims area. The deposit remains open on strike in both
directions and at depth. The initial QXRD results have highlighted the value
of this work providing a better description of the pegmatites and will
contribute to future grade control in the pilot plant phase of the Zulu
development".
Drill Holes: Lithium & Tantalum Results
The table below sets out the independent external laboratory analyses for
holes ZDD063, ZDD067, ZDD068, ZDD070, ZDD072, ZDD076, ZDD077, ZDD078 and
ZDD079.
Table 1 - Assay Summary Results
Hole From (m) To (m) Width* (m) Li(2)O%** Ta(2)O(5) ppm Rb ppm
ZDD063 54.60 61.56 6.96 1.01 42 2349
Incl. 57.60 58.60 1 1.97 24 439
ZDD067 86.57 93.47 6.90 1.83 152 1510
Incl. 88.00 93.00 5.00 2.40 49 1198
ZDD067 101.02 114.86 13.84 0.76 76 1247
Incl. 104.83 106.67 1.84 1.57 108 2175
ZDD068 105.36 107.57 2.21 0.82 149 3063
ZDD068 123.47 130.95 7.48 0.83 88 1649
Incl. 123.47 125.47 2.00 1.24 67 1476
ZDD068 153.29 155.29 2.00 1.30 152 940
ZDD070 77.93 87.45 9.52 1.54 60 5294
Incl. 79.93 85.93 6.00 1.79 48 5460
ZDD070 102.95 106.93 3.98 1.23 104 1462
Incl. 105.23 106.23 1.00 2.08 61 1043
ZDD070 117.15 122.20 2.42 1.32 91 3822
Incl. 117.15 118.15 1.00 1.81 52 2223
ZDD072 137.20 139.38 2.18 1.32 120 1195
ZDD072 142.43 146.77 4.00 1.75 101 2549
Incl. 144.43 143.43 1.00 2.03 61.1721 1172
ZDD076 87.80 105.42 17.62 1.39 30 2818
Incl. 87.8 91.8 4.00 1.86 32 3112
Incl. 94.94 96.7 1.76 1.51 21 1829
Incl. 99.47 102.47 3.00 2.15 20 2582
Incl. 103.47 104.47 1.00 1.73 31 2331
ZDD076 113.18 130.24 17.06 1.27 21 2439
Incl. 113.18 114.18 1.00 1.54 37 3138
Incl. 114.96 116.96 2.00 2.02 27 1973
Incl. 121.96 122.96 1.00 1.62 16 2540
Incl. 124.96 129.96 5.00 1.91 14 2126
ZDD076 132.80 137.56 4.76 1.43 42 2318
Incl. 133.8 136.3 2.50 1.94 21 2397
ZDD077 92.10 98.90 6.80 1.15 25 ***
Incl. 96.50 98.90 2.40 2.16 16 ***
ZDD078 47.26 66.92 19.66 1.68 59 4764
Incl. 55.26 62.26 8.00 2.04 50 4853
ZDD079 89.19 97.84 8.65 1.19 50 4371
Incl. 90.19 95.19 5.00 1.54 52 4316
*Not True Width but lineal width
**0.50% Li(2)O cut-off applied.
***Check analyses of Rb awaited.
The following compositing routine was applied:
· 0.50% Li(2)O cut-off was applied to the pegmatitic intersections.
· <2m standalone composites at the cut-off grade but with an overall
weighted average grade of >0.5% Li(2)O are not reported however.
· Within any composite >2m thickness, high-grade intersections of 1m
are reported; and
· Within any composite, inclusions of country rock of <2m thickness
are included within the composite provided the overall grade of the composite
is not <0.50% Li2O.
With the application of the above compositing routine, it has become evident
that many of the thicker pegmatites are zoned from a lithium perspective,
often with a high-grade core and weaker mineralised rims. It is further noted
that the weaker mineralised rims are often carrying the higher grades of both
tantalum and rubidium where the rubidium is associated with the occurrence of
lepidolites.
In cases where pegmatites are <2m thick or grades are below the cut-off,
the tantalum and rubidium values are still present and remain of value and
significant to the overall Resource.
QXRD Test Work - Table 2
A 35-sample test QXRD programme has demonstrated from a range of different
pegmatite samples, the value of this analytical technique in quantifying the
percentages of the lithium bearing minerals within any pegmatite sample and
its value to core logging of complete pegmatite intersections, verification of
analytical results. The results have confirmed that a systematic programme of
QXRD analysis will be valuable in both the upcoming Resource Estimate, grade
control in the future test pit and pilot test plant.
From the test programme, in samples with Li2O >1%, the ratio of the
spodumene: petalite: lepidolite is 56:13:31. It is anticipated that a broader,
more systematic programme of QXRD analysis will confirm these ratios.
Percentages of Mineral Assemblage
Hole ID From (m) To (m) Spodu-mene Petalite Lepid-olite Quartz Plagioclase Micro-cline Clays Chlo-rite Li2O% Ta2O5 ppm Rb_ppm
GT-NP-03 112.3 112.4 47.6 0 0.9 44.1 3.5 0.7 3.3 0 5.68 29 129
GT-NP-03 112.8 112.9 0 0 16.9 72.7 8.4 0.7 0 1.3 0.20 14 723
GT-NP-03 127.9 127.9 7.8 0.4 2 24.4 17.9 47.5 0 0 1.72 108 2650
GT-NP-03 138.9 139.0 0 1.5 7.9 47 42 1.6 0 0 0.50 38 2098
GT-NP-03 139.5 139.5 6 30.8 17.7 38.7 5.3 1.5 0 0 3.32 14 2388
GT-NP-03 146.3 146.4 1.1 0.2 27.3 35.1 36 0.4 0 0 2.45 43 5589
GT-NP-03 166.3 166.4 0 1.1 9.5 36 52.7 0.6 0 0 0.67 40 1908
GT-NP-03 167.1 167.2 0 0 30.1 57.5 10.1 0.9 0 1.3 0.81 14 2009
GT-NP-03 172.6 172.6 23 3.9 8.9 45.7 18 0.5 0 0 3.33 24 1935
GT-SP-01 69.7 69.7 19.3 0.7 2.5 44.9 31.3 1.1 0 0.2 1.19 99 597
GT-SP-01 74.7 74.8 7.3 18.7 6.8 32.3 30.5 1.2 3.2 0 0.89 165 729
GT-SP-01 76.6 76.6 0.6 1.1 27.2 49.3 20.9 0.8 0 0 0.40 11 1448
GT-SP-02 134.9 134.9 35.7 0.1 1.8 47.4 14.4 0.5 0 0 3.76 18 1029
GT-SP-02 136.0 136.1 8.9 0.3 5.2 57.7 27.4 0.6 0 0 1.16 32 1130
GT-SP-02 146.4 146.4 39.2 0.1 2.5 47 10.5 0.6 0 0 3.72 38 994
GT-SP-02 152.2 152.2 4.1 0.4 9.5 44.8 39.5 1.6 0 0 0.40 106 1490
GT-SP-03 82.3 82.3 0.8 11.2 0.6 6.2 12.8 68.4 0 0 1.16 22 3371
GT-SP-03 87.5 87.6 55.4 0.3 1.8 30.5 11.4 0.2 0 0.3 3.15 47 969
GT-SP-03 85.5 85.5 10.7 39.1 6.1 25.1 17.8 1.2 0 0 2.96 60 1384
GT-SP-03 103.9 104.0 19.9 1.1 6.7 33.2 38.6 0.5 0 0 1.84 49 486
GT-SP-03 103.4 103.5 35.8 0.1 0.6 38.7 24.5 0.3 0 0 2.60 35 464
GT-SP-04 51.2 51.3 0 0.7 15.1 0.8 0.8 0.9 0 81.6 0.83 233 2973
GT-SP-04 55.4 55.4 0 0.4 0.8 16.4 81.6 0.7 0 0 0.10 96 1353
GT-SP-04 52.7 52.8 0 0.8 0.8 7.2 90.6 0.6 0 0 0.22 292 392
GT-SP-04 58.7 58.8 0.3 0.5 27.3 63.3 7.5 1.1 0 0 0.08 154 3727
GT-SP-04 67.4 67.4 0 0 2.4 69.8 25.4 0.7 0 1.7 0.09 45 639
GT-SP-04 73.3 73.3 30.8 0.4 1.4 42.4 23.8 1.1 0 0 2.87 106 254
GT-SP-04 76.6 76.7 37.2 0.5 1.7 34 25.5 1.1 0 0.1 2.28 11 505
GT-SP-04 80.8 80.9 0 0.4 0.8 32 65.9 0.8 0 0 0.04 112 778
GT-SP-04 82.6 82.7 0.2 0.5 32.2 61.4 5 0.7 0 0 1.71 164 9655
GT-SP-04 82.4 82.4 0.2 0.8 32.4 56.4 9.3 0.8 0 0 1.39 126 9642
GT-SP-04 87.2 87.2 0 0.8 1.7 33.2 63.5 0.8 0 0 0.22 26 1627
GT-SP-04 86.5 86.6 0 1.6 17 31.9 20.3 29.2 0 0 0.16 42 2390
GT-SP-04 88.4 88.5 0 1.1 11.4 38.7 22.7 26.1 0 0 0.07 136 1945
GT-SP-04 89.0 89.0 0 0 80.5 12.2 5.1 0.9 0 1.4 1.13 265 >10000
Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC)
The drill holes are initially sited using a hand-held GPS (Global Positioning
System device) within the -tenement areas. Accurate coordinates and elevations
of drill holes collars are subsequently derived from a DGPS (Differential
Global Position devices) survey.
Drill cores are geologically logged, intersections of interest are selected
are marked-up with unique sample ID assigned before splitting and sampling.
Cores are cut in half using a core cutter, individual samples bagged, and sent
for analysis.
Alternating Certified Refence Materials (CRM), blank or duplicate samples are
inserted every 10(th) sample into the sample stream sent to the laboratory to
ensure QA/QC compliance. These QA/QC samples are assessed upon receipt of
analyses, checked and, if acceptable, accepted into the analytical database.
Follow-up with the laboratory is instigated in cases were any QA/QC sample
fails the QA/QC parameters.
All samples are crushed and pulverised to 75 microns with 85% of the
pulverised sample passing -75microns. Samples are analysed at the SGS
Laboratory Services in Randfontein, South Africa as 30-element scans following
a sodium peroxide fusion and ICP-OES and ICP-MS analytical finish. (SGS code
ICM90A).
Qualified Person:
Bruce Cumming, Geologist with Premier, has reviewed and approved this release
to the extent that reference is made to Zulu. Mr. Cumming is a SACNASP and
GSSA registered geoscientist with 46 years' experience in exploration and
project management, in multicommodity projects throughout Africa.
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.
The person who arranged the release of this announcement on behalf of the
Company was George Roach.
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.
About the Geology at Zulu
The area, located in the Fort Rixon Greenstone Belt, is underlain by
Archaean-aged meta-volcanics and meta-sedimentary sequences of the Bulawayan
System, with serpentinites and banded iron formations at the base in the east
and metamorphosed volcanics and sediments to the west. The greenstone belt is
tear drop shaped measuring 30 km long and 19 km wide near the broad section at
the top. Metamorphism is up to chlorite facies.
The Zulu Pegmatite is a LCT (Lithium-Caesium-Tantalum) pegmatite swarm which
intrudes along the contacts between serpentine and meta-sedimentary rocks over
a strike length of several kilometres. Outcrop widths vary between 10 and 25
m. The pegmatite bodies strike N20° and dip with 70° to 90° to the west.
The area was first pegged in 1955 by J.S. Willemse and intensely explored,
under an option, with mapping, trenching and drilling by Rhodesian Selection
Trust Co. Ltd. ("RST") in 1958. In 1961 and 1962 a small quantity of petalite
was mined by W. Burchett in partnership with J.S. Willemse. Premier later
acquired the claims the Zulu in 2013.
The thickest pegmatite, north and south of the Machakwe river, is rich in
spodumene, petalite and lepidolite while the thinner footwall pegmatites tend
to be lower in Li-grade but carry good tantalum and rubidium grades.
In general, the lithium minerals, occurring in varying quantities, are coarse
grained with associated feldspars and quartz with only very minor sulphides
being observed. In several contact zones, the lithium-bearing amphibole,
holmquistite, has been observed.
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.
In addition, the Company holds a 19% interest in MN Holdings Limited, the
operator of the Otjozondu Manganese Mining Project in Namibia.
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)
John More/Toby Gibbs Shore Capital Stockbrokers Limited Tel: +44 (0) 20 7408 4090
Glossary of Technical Terms:
"amphibole" A class of rock-forming silicate or aluminosilicate minerals typically
occurring as fibrous or columnar crystals.
"Banded Iron Formation (BIF)" A sedimentary rock consisting of alternating layers of iron oxides and
iron-poor chert.
"chlorite facies" Also known as Greenschist Facies, the rocks have a schistose texture and
green colour with the minerals chlorite, epidote and actinolite.
"feldspar" An aluminosilicate mineral consisting of potassium, sodium, and calcium.
"Holmquistite" A lithium-bearing amphibole related to hornblende with a formula as
(Na,K,Ca)Li(Mg,Fe)(3)Al(2)Si(8)O(22)(OH)(2.)
"Lepidolite" A pink to lavender coloured lithium bearing mineral (KLi2Al(Si4O10)(F,OH)2).
"Li to Li2O" x 2.152.
"Li" Lithium.
"Li(2)O" Lithium Oxide (Lithia) - an inorganic lithium compound used to assess lithium
minerals.
"m" meters.
"meta-sediments" Sedimentary rocks that have been metamorphosed.
"meta-volcanics" Volcanic rocks that have been metamorphosed.
"Petalite" A white coloured lithium bearing mineral (LiAl(Si4O10)).
"PP" Petalite pegmatite.
"ppm" parts per million.
"Rb" Rubidium.
"serpentinite" A dark, typically greenish metamorphic rock, consisting of serpentine or
related minerals, formed when mafic igneous rocks are altered.
"SPLP" Spodumene petalite lepidolite pegmatite.
"Spodumene" A white to pink coloured lithium bearing mineral (LiAlSi2O6).
"SPP" Spodumene petalite pegmatite.
"Ta to Ta2O5" x 1.221.
"Ta" Tantalum.
"QXRD" Quantitative X-Ray Diffraction.
LITHIUM CLASSIFICATION AND CONVERSION FACTORS
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. The
standard conversion factors are set out in the table below:
Table: Conversion Factors for Lithium Compounds and Minerals
Convert from Convert to Li Convert to Li(2)O
Lithium Li 1.000 2.153
Lithium Oxide Li(2) 0.464 1.000
Ends
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