Firering Strategic Minerals has started hot commissioning Kiln 3 at the Limeco quicklime project in Zambia after completing planned refurbishment work.
The start-up brings a third kiln into the operating programme and moves Limeco closer to full commercial production. Firering has already restarted the site’s gasifier and returned Kilns 1 and 2 to production. Kiln 3 will begin producing once it reaches the required operating temperature.
Combined lime production is expected to exceed 200 tonnes per day as Kiln 3 ramps up. The higher output is intended to move the operation beyond break-even and support the transition to profitable production.
The company’s next priority is to bring Kiln 3 to steady-state production. This will require the kiln to maintain reliable output over a sustained period rather than simply complete the initial commissioning process. Stable production will be an important test of the refurbishment work and the wider operating system.
Firering is also continuing renovation work on Kiln 4. Commissioning is planned within the next few months, providing another potential increase in production capacity. The addition of Kiln 4 would give Limeco a broader operating base and reduce its dependence on the performance of individual units.
Work is also under way on the hydration circuit. Firering expects the modifications to increase hydrated lime output beyond the current level of 100 tonnes per day. This would expand Limeco’s product capacity alongside the increase in quicklime production.
Firering Strategic Minerals plc (LON:FRG) is an emerging quicklime producer and critical minerals explorer, with operations in Zambia and West Africa.
