en.Wedoany.com Reported - Firering Strategic Minerals has commenced hot commissioning of the third kiln at its Limeco quicklime project in Zambia. The company stated that with three kilns now operational, the project is transitioning from breakeven to profitable production and is poised to become one of Zambia's largest producers of high-quality lime.

Firering, listed on AIM, is an Africa-focused quicklime producer and critical minerals exploration company. Following the completion of planned modifications to the third kiln, the gasifier has been reignited, and Kilns 1 and 2 have resumed production. Kiln 3 began hot commissioning on July 20, 2026, and is currently being heated up, with the first batch of quicklime expected within days. As Kiln 3 ramps up, the combined output of all three kilns is projected to exceed 200 tons per day, positioning Limeco to become one of Zambia's largest producers of high-quality lime. Ongoing modifications to the hydration circuit are expected to increase hydrated lime production to over 100 tons per day from current levels. Work on Kiln 4 continues, with commissioning expected in a few months. Additionally, Firering has completed its final option payment, increasing its stake in Limeco from 41.7% to 45%, completing the acquisition structure announced in May 2024. The increased stake reflects the company's confidence in Limeco's long-term potential, allowing it to benefit more from future production and earnings as more kilns come online.

Youval Rasin, Chairman and Interim CEO of Firering Strategic Minerals, stated that the hot commissioning of Kiln 3 is a key milestone for Limeco. With all three kilns fully operational, total output is expected to exceed 200 tons per day, positioning Limeco to become one of Zambia's largest producers of high-quality lime. This marks a turning point for Limeco, transitioning from a near-breakeven operation to profitable production, with the business expected to generate positive cash flow by year-end. Current priorities are to bring Kiln 3 to stable production and advance the modification work on Kiln 4. Meanwhile, ongoing modifications to the hydration plant are expected to boost hydrated lime capacity. Given growing lime demand and Limeco's reputation for high-purity, high-quality lime suitable for mining, infrastructure, agriculture, and industrial sectors, the company will also benefit from economies of scale, improving operational efficiency. Regarding raw material supply, the company has begun dewatering the existing quarry to access more feed and is developing a mining plan to expand and deepen the quarry.