Latest assays from its Zulu project in Zimbabwe have indicated more good lithium grades said Premier African Minerals Limited (LON:PREM).
One hole saw grades up to 3.3% Li2O (lithium oxide) over almost 30m with more than 2% was intersected in another hole, while previously unreported mineralisation in the host rock was also identified.
Premier is now planning more drilling to determine the ultimate size of Zulu, while the results from the recent programme will be released as assays come back said George Roach, chief executive. Tantalum results are also not yet back.
Watch: Premier African's George Roach 'encouraged' by Zulu Lithium grades
"We continue to be highly encouraged by the grades in these recently received assays.
“The company is expecting to receive a lot of final assays over the coming weeks and we are also looking forward to understanding the ultimate potential of the tantalum at Zulu and publishing Zulu's maiden resource statement.”
Elsewhere, Premier said that the shaft upgrades at the RHA tungsten mine, also in Zimbabwe, have now been completed and the terms for the underground mining contract have now been finalised.
Mining contractor African Mining and Exploration will to deliver up to 16,000 tons of tungsten ore per month to the plant.
At the same time, final terms have been agreed to deliver up to 24,000 tons of tungsten ore from open pit operations per month, all commencing in March 2017.
"The conclusion of the final contractual mining terms is another important step on the path to commencement of plant operations at RHA where implementation of the XRT sorter and allied plant improvements continue on schedule with planned commissioning this quarter," said Roach.
“Re-optimisation of the open pit by Datamine presents an extended open pit life of up to 12 years and the simultaneous underground mining provides encouraging options for future developments. Shaft upgrades are now paid for, as is the case with the XRT sorter that has been upgraded to latest specifications by the manufacturer and is expected to leave South Africa for delivery to site this week."