Premier African Minerals Ltd (AIM:PREM, OTC:PRMMF) shares struggled on Friday, after the small-cap miner said it had begun the second phase of test runs at its Zulu lithium and tantalum plant.
The company said changes have been implemented and commissioning issues are being addressed, with positive results reported so far.
A decision is expected within seven days on whether to proceed with purchasing a secondary spodumene float section.
Meanwhile, long-term solutions are being developed for replacing sorters deemed unfit for purpose and for completing the tantalum recovery circuit.
Several parties have expressed interest in buying tantalum and potentially funding the circuit’s completion, it added.
“We are generally pleased with progress and remain as confident as ever in the final successful conclusion of this phase,” chief executive George Roach said in a statement.
In London, Premier African shares were down over 12% changing hands at 0.025p.