PREMIER African Minerals has downplayed concerns over Zimbabwe’s recent ban on lithium concentrate exports, assuring investors that the move will not affect the future commercial production of its Zulu Lithium and Tantalum Project.
The company is continuing with the installation of its new flotation plant.
The government last week suspended the export of all lithium concentrates and raw minerals with immediate effect, including consignments already in transit.
The measure is aimed at strengthening local beneficiation and maximising value retention within the country.
Authorities said it forms part of broader oversight of mineral exports and a restructuring of the lithium sector, where most shipments have historically been unprocessed spodumene concentrate rather than higher-value refined chemicals.
The suspension has raised concerns among investors and industry watchers about potential delays to Zimbabwe’s lithium projects. Premier, however, says its Zulu project is largely insulated from the ban, as it has already engaged with the Ministry of Mines on a beneficiation and value-addition strategy that aligns with the government’s policy.
The company is confident that the project’s future commercial production will proceed once its new flotation plant is commissioned.
The ban has major implications for companies controlling Zimbabwe’s largest lithium mines, many of which are operated by Chinese firms.
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Sinomine Resource Group Co. Ltd runs Bikita Minerals, Zhejiang Huayou Cobalt Company Ltd controls the Arcadia mine, and Suzhou TA&A Ultra Clean Technology Co. Ltd has invested in Premier African Minerals.
Premier’s Zulu project, located about 80 kilometres from Bulawayo, is one of Zimbabwe’s largest undeveloped lithium-bearing pegmatite deposits.
“The company notes the recent announcement by the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development regarding the suspension of lithium concentrate and raw mineral exports with immediate effect,” Premier said in a statement.
“Premier confirms that it is fully aware of the recent regulatory development and remains in open dialogue with the Ministry in respect of the suspension and the framework for future product shipments from Zulu following commissioning of the flotation plant.”
Premier revealed that during 2024 it formally engaged with the ministry and presented its proposed beneficiation and value-addition strategy for Zulu.
This engagement included outlining longer-term processing and optimisation plans aimed at enhancing in-country value addition. The company said it will continue to engage with the ministry to ensure alignment between Zulu’s operational road map and Zimbabwe’s evolving beneficiation policy framework.
“The board does not currently envisage, on the basis that their understanding is that the ban is targeted at specific issues, that the recent suspension will impede Zulu’s future commercial production strategy as the company progresses installation and commissioning of the flotation plant. However, it will give an update on this matter as and when the situation is clarified.”
The reassurance to investors comes ahead of Premier expecting to receive its new spodumene flotation plant at the Zulu project today.
