Firering Strategic Minerals plc (AIM:FRG) said Limeco Resources Limited has been awarded a two‑year offtake to deliver a minimum of 1,350 tonnes of hydrated lime a year to a major international copper producer, and that April deliveries already account for roughly one third of the contracted annual volume.
Limeco reached effectively breakeven in March as operational improvements take hold. Kiln 2 — modified during the ramp‑up — is discharging at over 70 tonnes per day and outperformed Kiln 1 for the first time since start‑up.
Kiln 1 has been taken temporarily offline so the same changes can be replicated; Kilns 3 and 4 are on track for commissioning in Q3 and Q4 2026 respectively.
The product mix is shifting towards hydrated lime, which commands a 20–30% premium to quicklime, and the company is targeting a new high‑purity calcium carbonate stream (>95% CaCO3) for commissioning in Q3 2026.
Limeco has also begun a one‑month dewatering programme at its open pit to enable preparatory works ahead of planned mining.
"This is an important moment for Limeco. Formalising a two‑year offtake contract with a major international copper producer ... validates Limeco's product quality and position as a reliable supplier to the Zambian mining industry," Youval Rasin, Chairman and Interim CEO, said.
