Firering Strategic Minerals is moving the Limeco quicklime project in Lusaka West towards commercial production after starting hot commissioning of Kiln 3.
The company has already returned Kilns 1 and 2 to production following work on the gasifier. Kiln 3 is expected to begin operating once it reaches the required temperature. As the new kiln ramps up, combined lime production is expected to exceed 200 tonnes per day.
The project is moving beyond refurbishment and into a period where stable output, plant reliability and customer demand will determine its commercial value.
Firering is also modifying the hydration circuit. The work is expected to increase hydrated lime output above the current rate of 100 tonnes per day. Higher production across quicklime and hydrated lime would give Limeco a broader product base and greater capacity to supply mining, construction and industrial customers.
The next step is Kiln 4. Renovation work is being prepared, with commissioning planned within a few months. A fourth operating kiln would increase total capacity and give Limeco more flexibility when individual units require maintenance. It could also support lower unit costs if higher production volumes are maintained.
Limeco was established by Glencore Plc, the former owner of Mopani Copper Mines, to address a shortage of quicklime in Zambia. More than US$10 million has already been invested in the mine and processing plant, located about 22 kilometres west of Lusaka. That existing infrastructure gives Firering a faster route to production than building a new operation from the ground up.
Firering Strategic Minerals plc (LON:FRG) is an emerging quicklime producer and critical minerals explorer, with operations in Zambia and West Africa.
