LONDON - Firering Strategic Minerals plc (AIM:FRG), a company specializing in quicklime production and mineral exploration, has announced the commencement of commissioning its first kiln at the Limeco quicklime project in Zambia. This marks a significant step towards its goal of becoming potentially the largest quicklime producer in Zambia.
The commissioning of Kiln 1 began in early December following final modifications completed at the end of November. With approximately 26,000 tonnes of kiln feed already stockpiled, Firering anticipates the production of its first quicklime within weeks after the new year.
The Limeco project, which boasts a Tier 1 deposit with a projected mine life exceeding 50 years, is designed to produce 600-800 tonnes of quicklime daily, catering to the copper industry and other sectors. The company has reported ongoing positive cash flow from aggregate production, which continues to be a strong contributor to Limeco's operations.
As part of the project's development, significant progress has been made on the coal gasifier, with half of the steel structure already installed. The coal storage facility's construction is also nearing completion, and the delivery of the water purification plant is expected imminently.
In addition to the advancements at Limeco, the company's newly installed impact crusher has processed around 87,000 tonnes of limestone since its commissioning in the third quarter of 2024.
Yuval Cohen, Chief Executive of Firering, expressed satisfaction with the progress and highlighted the commissioning of Kiln 1 as a key milestone. He also noted the near completion of the gasifier construction and the ongoing efforts to bring the remaining seven kilns online throughout 2025.
This operational update is based on a press release statement from Firering Strategic Minerals plc. The company aims to leverage the Limeco project to meet the demand for quicklime in Zambia's copper belt, which currently relies on imports from South Africa. Firering also holds interests in the Atex Lithium-Tantalum Project in Côte d'Ivoire, with drilling results indicating significant resource potential.
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