PREMIER AFRICAN MINERALS

PREMIER AFRICAN MINERALS

Developing multi-commodity African exploration projects

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Exploring

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Opportunities Premier African Minerals’ multi model, multi-commodity and multinational strategy is paying dividends via numerous projects in Southern Africa which are set to achieve world class sustainability and value Writer: Matthew Staff Project Manager: Arron Rampling

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stablished initially to acquire and develop mineral properties across Africa, Premier African Minerals has taken to its task quite literally in establishing groundbreaking operations in three of the continent’s four corners, and in boasting a current array of projects set to bring worldclass productivity to the sector.

With a mission to deliver regional economic development and shareholder value through its

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investments and multi-transactional exploration activities, the Company’s portfolio has realised this ambition in generating infrastructure - as well as successful mining prominence - to Togo and Benin in the West, the DRC in Central Africa, and Zimbabwe and Mozambique in the SADC region.

Operating via a model of acquiring licenses for sites which have either already been explored to some extent or which appear conducive for initial development; Premier African Minerals’ flexibility, adaptability

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derives from its dedication to generating value for the Company, shareholders, stakeholders and the local communities alike.

Roach continues: “What drives us is what we believe we can add value to, for our shareholders. This comes from identifying what can be developed and what should be developed.

“For every substantial exploration that occurs, maybe two percent become a productive mine at the end of it, so you have to be astute in identifying these projects. We’re very much focused on the credentials of the project from the point of view of ‘can this go into production?’ rather than ‘can I raise some money just from doing a bit of exploration here?’”

analysis of the site, leading Roach to believe that he has a world-class lithium tantalum project on his hands.

“In around 2010 it became clear that there were opportunities in Zimbabwe, a country which has some brilliant mineralisation. It may be a difficult environment to work in politically, but when considering the state of infrastructure and the standards of education from a personnel perspective, the credentials are very good,” Roach says.

“The RHA Tungsten Mine is based in Northwest Zimbabwe and was brought into production in the middle of 2015; and has since undergone a number of plant upgrades and process improvements relating to final ore production which have recently been Exciting projects published.

The Company’s flagship HRA Tungsten “The Zulu Lithium Tantalum project is very interesting in once again project in Zimbabwe is a perfect example of this approach in identifying highlighting our business model, it from a perspective of overall value of building on the initial published productivity as opposed to its potential analysis and creating substantial for exploration solely. intersections of quality ore grades.

Similarly, its Zulu Lithium and This looks like a very exciting project Tantalum project is a deposit driven by moving forward.” existing confidence based on historical Additional projects include the Catapu Limestone mine in Mozambique and another interesting and lack of limitation leaves it in an venture in the DRC; epitomising an advantageous position to continue ethos which places opportunity and thriving on a continental scale long value as a primary consideration, as into the future. opposed to location or commodity.

In around 2010 it “At the beginning there were a That being said, such value can became clear number of acquisitions as is typical incorporate considerations like with exploration in the likes of Togo location in some cases, with the that there were and Benin for example, but we have recent Mozambican acquisition being opportunities in shifted our focus much more towards chosen on account of its surrounding being a Southern Africa-focused accessibility and infrastructure via the Zimbabwe, a country Company at this stage,” explains Chief nearby railway line, and once again which has some Executive Officer, George Roach. serves as proof of Premier African brilliant “Across each project and in terms of Minerals’ flexibility when it comes to our actual model, we don’t necessarily taking on new mining ventures. mineralisation do exploration any differently to “When we started it was all about anyone else, but it really is our lack of a dedication to finding projects with bounds in terms of commodities and mass bulk magnitude and potential geography that distinguishes us.” bulk,” Roach recalls. “However, we The Company’s second - and perhaps can take these on either from scratch most significant - differentiator or through agreements to buy claims

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REPLANTS AFRICA INVESTMENTS

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eplants Africa prides itself on its reputation that it has built with global mining companies, including Premier African Minerals.

With investments in a largely Caterpillar based fleet, which reflects our commitment to high quality service and industry leading “up time”, our experienced and dedicated management team are active partners with clients’ requiring contract equipment and site infrastructure development.

These relationships allows us to partner with companies such as R H A Tungsten, and as their demands increase, our services can evolve by providing appropriate skilled consulting, systems and fleet maintenance support or by adding to their current fleet. In 2017, our coverage will be broadened to include South Africa through our newly incorporated subsidiary, Replants South Africa (Pty) Ltd.

in works already explored to some extent. We have always been open minded in this regard.

“One good example is a license we acquired some time ago in northern Ethiopia for potash in the Danakil; in respect of which we now hold a small stake in a Company with an NPV of $2.1 billion. That private Company is Circum Minerals Ltd.”

Creating value

While exploration is a relatively traditional industry in terms of its evolution, the onus is still on companies like Premier African Minerals to move with the times, keep an eye on certain industry trends, and to make significant capital investments into its processes when necessary.

A recent example of this has been seen at the RHA Tungsten site where the traditional gravity based process came under pressure from price fluctuations, leading to a new X-ray transmission model being

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implemented at present.

Achieving new efficiencies and upgrades of product as a consequence might incur some increased costs up front, but will pay off in the long-term as part of a sustainability philosophy which Roach classifies as paramount in importance.

“Through this new XRT ore sorting mechanism we will end up with a better product at the end of the process while the cost of operating the plant will also be improved.

“Similarly, when it comes to sustainability, localised employment is a prerequisite as far as we’re concerned. We employ local skills, are able to capitalise on the great standards of education in Zimbabwe especially, and look to instil a locally skilled workforce from management all the way through to labour level.”

When considering the mortal lifecycle of a mine, this kind of strategy takes on extra importance, in ensuring sustainability and a positive legacy

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long after exploration and mining operations have been completed. This means that local utilities, communities, transport, accessibility and social enrichment are all addressed as part of the overall influence that Premier African Minerals looks to establish at the beginning of each new venture.

“There has to be an ability to settle and to grow and to develop people and the area and the community,” Roach states. “Each project is relatively unique and there’s no one solution, but that’s why it’s vital to assess each one’s requirements and specifications individually in order to create value both in and outside of the mine.”

Sustainability breeds optimism for the Company across its chosen projects moving forward, with its presence in Zimbabwe and Mozambique in particular driven by the belief that value will be created for the mines and the communities in the long run.

In the immediate future though,

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Offering high quality earthworks, contract equipment and infrastructure development to the mining, construction and agriculture sectors Proud to be sub contractors for the hire of heavy earthmoving equipment to Premier African Minerals’ associate Company in Zimbabwe since the early 2000’s.

T: +263 9 881917 / 882769 +263 4 862016 C: +263 772 570 323/4 Tom & Doug Bawden E: Replantsagri@zol.co.zw info@replantsafrica.co.zw www.replantsafrica.co.zw

Roach has some equally specific goals for Premier African Minerals as it enters the next phase of its multicommodity, multinational journey.

“Over the next two-three years I’d like to see the RHA Tungsten mine operating profitably and that’s very realistic,” he concludes. “Similarly, in

terms of the Mozambican acquisition, whilst detailed exploration is still necessary, the possibility exists that development of this limestone deposit may fill a much wider range of needs than material for cement, agri-lime and aggregates. I see this operation extending its influence dramatically

and its influence on the local community substantially.

“Finally, I’d also like to see dramatic advancements with the Zulu Lithium Tantalum project which may even see a new lithium carbonate plant installed over the next two years as it progresses towards production.”

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South Africa Operational Support Office The Croft 87, Main Road Blue Hills (R55) ZA 1685 Gauteng South Africa T: +27 100 201 281 E: info@premierafricanminerals.com www.premierafricanminerals.com

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