Firering Strategic Minerals is moving into a more important phase at its Limeco operation in Zambia, where the focus is now on lifting output, broadening the product mix and opening new markets.
The company is currently optimising its second kiln after recent hot commissioning, while planning modifications to Kilns 3 and 4. Kiln 1 is operating below target, and Kiln 2 is expected to benefit from design changes based on lessons from the first unit. That makes kiln performance the main operational marker from here. Firering’s plan is to bring all eight kilns online by the end of 2027, which would significantly increase output and strengthen Limeco’s position in the Zambian market.
What makes Limeco relevant is the combination of size, processing capability and end-market exposure. The operation is built around a large, high-purity limestone resource and an integrated processing plant, rather than a simple quarry model. It is targeting 600 to 800 tonnes per day of production, supported by a 300-tonne-per-hour processing facility.
The resource base also adds weight to the story. Limeco has a 145.2 million tonne JORC-compliant resource at 95.7% purity, with a stated mine life of more than 50 years. The deposit has only been drilled to 80 metres, leaving scope for further resource growth, and the operation holds a 10-year mining licence.
Firering is already selling quicklime and has added hydrated lime, with limestone powder planned as a third product line. The company is also building a cement plant to process lower-value aggregate into limestone powder, which should improve value capture from existing material. A high-purity calcium carbonate milling circuit is expected in the second half of 2026, giving the company another route to revenue diversification.
Firering Strategic Minerals plc (LON:FRG) is an emerging quicklime producer and critical minerals explorer, with operations in Zambia and West Africa.
