Natural resource development company Premier African Minerals reported encouraging preliminary results after installing a new scrubber unit to clean and process ore at its Zulu lithium project in Zimbabwe last July. The installation marks a step towards commissioning and achieving commercial production at the mine by the end of 2024.

With Premier African Minerals continuing to enhance operational efficiency and production capabilities at its strategic minerals projects across Africa, CEO George Roach will discuss the company's investment and growth strategy at the Critical Minerals Africa (CMA) 2024 summit, taking place in Cape Town from November 6-7.

The CMA 2024 summit serves to position Africa as the primary investment destination for critical minerals. The event is held alongside the African Energy Week: Invest in African Energy 2024 conference on November 4-8, offering delegates access to the full scope of energy, mining and finance leaders in Cape Town. Sponsors, exhibitors and delegates can learn more by clicking here.

Premier African Minerals is increasing the flow of investments across the African critical minerals sector through strategic capital raising initiatives. The company secured a $300 000 working capital facility from Zimbabwe lenders in April 2024 and announced plans to inject $2.5-million to fast-track the commissioning of the Zulu lithium project.

Premier African Minerals also partnered with exploration firm Li3 Resources in July last year to fund exploration activities in Zimbabwe's Mutare region. The joint venture will also provide funding for the Otjozondu manganese mining project in Namibia through its subsidiary MN Holdings. Meanwhile, the company's involvement in the Danakil potash project in Ethiopia – in partnership with mining company Vortex – demonstrates its commitment to driving growth and investment in Africa. At CMA 2024, Roach is expected to highlight Premier African Minerals’ commitment to supporting Africa's critical mineral value chain.

“Africa's vast reserves of lithium and rare earth elements hold immense potential to accelerate the global energy transition and stimulate local economic growth. Unlocking this potential requires the specialized financial and market expertise of companies like Premier African Minerals,” stated Rachelle Kasongo, Project Director at CMA 2024 organizer Energy Capital & Power.