Premier African Minerals Limited has pushed back the planned restart of processing operations at its Zulu Lithium and Tantalum Project in Zimbabwe, with the company now targeting a resumption of activities during the week commencing November 16, 2026.
The revised timeline comes after final-stage preparations took longer than initially anticipated, according to an operational update released by the company.
Premier Managing Director Graham Hill said the company had originally expected to recommence operations in October but remained confident that the project was now on track for a mid-November restart.
“We are now targeting the recommencement of processing activities during the week commencing 16 November 2026,” Hill said.
The company said it had adjusted its restart strategy, opting to begin processing using material already available at the mine rather than first building a larger run-of-mine stockpile. According to Premier, the approach is intended to maximise available resources while testing the plant’s ability to deliver stable performance, satisfactory recoveries and spodumene concentrate that meets required quality specifications.
Hill said the operating campaign would also provide critical data to guide future phases of production and help the company build on lessons learned during previous processing runs.
Premier reported that major engineering works and process modifications required ahead of the restart are substantially complete. The installation of a new hydrocyclone is underway, while critical equipment, spare parts, fuel, lubricants and other operating consumables have either already been delivered to site or are expected shortly.
As a result, the company said it does not anticipate additional delays linked to engineering work, equipment availability or material supplies.
However, Premier acknowledged ongoing labour-related challenges in Zimbabwe that have affected workforce arrangements needed for the restart. The company said management teams have continued engaging relevant stakeholders while ensuring engineering and operational preparations remained on schedule.
“Whilst these matters have presented some practical constraints, our senior management and supervisors have made considerable progress, ensuring that the critical engineering works and operational preparations have continued to advance,” Hill said.
He added that discussions surrounding workforce arrangements were progressing positively and expressed optimism that outstanding issues would be resolved in time for the planned restart.
Zulu is one of Zimbabwe’s developing lithium projects and forms part of growing efforts to expand the country’s participation in the global battery minerals value chain. The project’s restart is expected to be closely watched by investors and industry stakeholders amid rising interest in Zimbabwe’s lithium sector.
Premier said its immediate priority remains completing final preparations and restarting processing activities in a controlled and sustainable manner, with further updates to be provided as operations progress. 
