Emerging quicklime producer and critical minerals exploration company Firering Strategic Minerals’ aggregate production has reached nameplate capacity of 350 000 t/y at its Limeco quicklime project, in Zambia.
The production of this key ancillary product is in line with the company’s strategy to create multiple revenue streams. The aggregate sold to date is being consumed by local industrial companies.
More than 30 000 t a month of aggregate are now capable of being produced at the project, in part thanks to a new primary crusher installed in July last year, among other renovations.
The company reported on January 22 that aggregate production had increased by 58.9% to 84 702 t in the fourth quarter of 2024, compared with the third quarter. This has also driven a material uplift in operating cashflow in the fourth quarter compared with the third quarter.
Further, the first production of core quicklime product was imminent, Firering said.
"While our primary focus remains on scaling up production of our core quicklime product to reach full capacity by year-end, we are equally pleased to have already achieved nameplate capacity for aggregate production.
“This milestone follows the successful completion of renovations to the crushing plant, enabling us to stockpile crushed limestone while optimising the use of the waste stream for aggregate production. This not only enhances operational efficiency and delivers strong cash flow but also significantly reduces waste," Firering CE Yuval Cohen said.
When fully commissioned, Limeco will be able to produce 600 t/d to 800 t/d of quicklime over a more than 50-year life-of-mine. This would potentially make Limeco the largest quicklime operation in Zambia, positioned to support the Copperbelt's rapidly expanding copper production needs. 