Premier African Minerals said it no longer expects to restart processing operations at its Zulu Lithium and Tantalum Project during July.
The AIM-listed company had planned to recommence the plant this month but says the timing now depends on concluding talks with Canmax Technologies Co., over an extension to the Long Stop Date under their prepayment and offtake arrangements.
"We had previously anticipated recommencing plant operations during July, however, this will only occur once the ongoing and constructive discussions with Canmax... have concluded and the agreed terms have been formally announced", said Graham Hill, Managing Director.
Canmax is reviewing operational and commissioning data from Zulu's upgraded flotation circuit as part of its assessment, alongside broader technical progress at the site.
Premier says mining and stockpiling continue at reduced scale, with the board maintaining that building a larger ore inventory on the run-of-mine pad ahead of restart represents the best use of available resources.
Engineering teams have used the pause to implement modifications, upgrades and maintenance identified during June's processing run, aimed at improving plant reliability.
The company says a positive outcome on the Long Stop Date extension remains likely but is not guaranteed on terms or timing.
Premier links the extension, together with a successful next production campaign, to its ongoing engagement with potential strategic investors in Zulu's development.
A revised operating timetable will follow once the Canmax discussions are formally concluded.
