PREMIER African Minerals Limited has entered a critical stage in the development of its Fort Rixon-based Zulu Lithium Plant, shifting focus to optimising the flotation plant in order to ensure continuous production of spodumene concentrate with a grade exceeding five percent Li₂O.

The company said the Fort Rixon plant has already achieved saleable concentrate on several occasions, and the next milestone is to prove consistent production levels.

Spodumene, a lithium ore crucial for battery production in electric vehicles, features a high lithium concentration while Li2O is an inorganic lithium compound used to assess lithium minerals.

To support this validation phase, the plant has recommenced limited mining operations to guarantee a steady supply of ore to the Run-of-Mine (ROM) pad.

The firm noted that ore from the ROM pad is expected to be fed into the plant before the close of today (Wednesday).

In an update on Wednesday, Managing Director, Mr Graham Hill, underscored the importance of this development.

"This next phase is a fundamental step in the ongoing validation process of the operating capacity of the Zulu plant. Demonstrating the ability to consistently float material at grade over sustained periods is essential to ensuring that all operational aspects are aligned for the future of Zulu.

"These results will provide the foundation for growth, whether through new investment or additional off-take funding, as those discussions with potential funders continue to advance."