Firering Strategic Minerals is now centred on Limeco, its lime operation in Zambia, as the company shifts from exploration-led activity towards industrial minerals production. The move gives the business a clearer near-term focus, with growth linked to quicklime, hydrated lime, aggregates and planned calcium carbonate products.
Limeco is located near Lusaka and serves markets where lime products are essential inputs. Quicklime and hydrated lime are used in copper processing, water treatment, agriculture, construction and other industrial applications.
The company has increased its stake in Limeco to 45%, giving it a larger share of the project as production expands. The asset includes a substantial limestone resource and processing infrastructure, which are central to the company’s plan to build a scalable lime business in Southern Africa.
Production is moving forward in stages. Kiln 1 has been commissioned, while Kiln 2 has been producing at improved rates since late April. Limeco is targeting hot commissioning of Kiln 3 in mid-July, with Kiln 4 planned for the fourth quarter of 2026. As more kilns come online, the project should have greater production capacity and better visibility on future output.
Firering is also upgrading hydration, handling and bagging systems. These improvements are intended to support higher efficiency and a broader product range. A planned calcium carbonate circuit could also open access to higher-value industrial and agricultural markets, adding another potential revenue stream beyond quicklime.
Demand is already being supported by a two-year offtake agreement with a major Zambian copper producer. This provides a commercial base as Limeco scales. It also highlights the local opportunity, as copper producers in the region currently rely in part on imported quicklime from South Africa.
Firering Strategic Minerals plc (LON:FRG) is an emerging quicklime producer and critical minerals explorer, with operations in Zambia and West Africa.
