Firering Strategic Minerals plc (LON:FRG), an emerging producer of high quality quick- and hydrated lime with a portfolio of critical minerals projects, has provide an update on operational progress at its producing lime asset in Zambia, Limeco Resources Limited.
HIGHLIGHTS
· Kiln 2 performance continues to improve, with discharge rates of over 60 tonnes per day (“tpd”) being achieved.
· Work has commenced bringing Kilns 3 and 4 online, with commissioning expected in Q3 and Q4, respectively.
· Hydrated lime circuit expanded to four operating units, with a fifth under construction.
· Limestone milling circuit installation progressing, with commissioning targeted for Q3.
· Commercial engagement increasing across mining, agricultural and industrial markets.
Youval Rasin, Chairman and Interim Chief Executive Officer of Firering, commented: “We are pleased with the continued operational progress at Limeco, with Kiln 2 performing in line with expectations as ramp-up advances towards its targeted output. At the same time, bringing Kilns 3 and 4 online has commenced as part of our planned capacity expansion. These developments position Limeco to increase production to meet the growing demand for our lime products.”
DETAILS
Limeco
Limeco, the Company’s vertically integrated quicklime and hydrated lime operation in Zambia, continues to progress operations, increasing its lime product range and capacity expansion across its business.
Performance at Kiln 2 continues to improve as process optimisation and ramp-up are advancing and discharge rates of over 60 tpd now being achieved, surpassing those of Kiln 1 and supporting the internal modifications made to this kiln.
Work to bring Kilns 3 and 4 online has commenced, with fabrication of piping connecting these kilns to the gasifier underway on site. Additional work includes fabrication of the hopper for the feed system to these kilns and modification of the burner system. Kiln 3 is expected to come online in Q3, with Kiln 4 scheduled for Q4 this year.
The manual hydrating circuit now comprises four units constructed in-house, with a fifth under construction. Each unit produces approximately eight tonnes of hydrated lime per shift. Automation of this process is planned once all four kilns are operational.
Serviceable components of the limestone powder milling circuit stored on site have been serviced and their integrity checked ahead of erection and installation. Preparations for additional civil works are being finalised, with commissioning of the milling circuit expected in Q3 this year.
Commercial activity continues to build, with increased sales engagement across mining, agricultural and industrial customers in the region. Newly branded lime bags are expected to support direct customer enquiries and improve brand visibility in regional markets.
