RHA Tungsten Project Exploration Update, Zimbabwe

Premier African Minerals Limited / Ticker: PREM / Index: AIM / Sector: Mining 

18 February 2013

         Premier African Minerals Limited (`Premier' or `the Company')         

               RHA Tungsten Project Exploration Update, Zimbabwe               

Premier African Minerals Limited, the AIM quoted multi-commodity natural
resource company with mineral projects located in Western and Southern Africa,
is pleased to announce a positive exploration update from its flagship RHA
Tungsten Project, located in the prospective Kamativi Tin Belt in north-west
Zimbabwe (`RHA' or `the Project'). The Company believes the Project has the
potential to be developed into a low capital and operating cost tungsten mine
in the near term.

Overview

  * 1,302m five hole diamond drilling (`DD') programme undertaken at RHA,
    sampling confirmed significant tungsten oxide (`WO3') values - best results
    include:
   
  * 
      + DD003: Weighted average 0.46% WO3 over 15m*
       
      + DD004: Weighted average 0.65% WO3 over 6m*
       
      + DD006: Weighted average 1.33% WO3 over 3m*
       
*Note: Intersection widths, not true widths

  * Drilling has uncovered two, potentially three, previously unknown, well
    mineralised quartz veins lying in the hanging wall of the existing lode
    system
   
  * Further detailed examination and sampling of the DD drill core has been
    completed with 198 samples taken targeting individual samples and zones >
    0.15% (`WO3') - results due Q1 2013
   
  * Initial detailed geological logging has revealed tungsten mineralisation in
    the form of very coarse wolframite crystals, hosted within narrow quartz
    veins between 5cm and 10cm
   
  * Further low-cost surface trenching and sampling will be undertaken in Q1
    2013 to confirm the surface location and extent of the hanging wall lodes
   
  * SAMREC compliant resource on target for H1 2013
   
  * 3D Datamine modelling underway - completed model will be used as the basis
    for a concept mine technical and economic study targeted to commence end of
    Q1 2013
   
To view the release with pictures please visit www.premierafricanminerals.com
`Newsroom'

Premier's Chief Executive Officer George Roach said, "This update has revealed
significant tungsten mineralisation in the form of very coarse wolframite
crystals hosted by quartz veins identified from drillhole intersections, and
highlights the exceptional prospectivity of our RHA tungsten project. It is now
our intention to conduct low-cost surface trenching and sampling to confirm the
extent of these newly identified quartz veins and define a maiden SAMREC
compliant resource in H1 2013. In tandem with this, we are also completing a
conceptual mine study, which will determine the most beneficial and cost
effective method of exploiting the known extent of the RHA deposit. The
conceptual study will consider the possibility of early and low-cost production
from the recently discovered outcropping mineralised quartz veins, and from
existing tailings dams and dumps. Given the availability of water and power at
our RHA property, and the relative simplicity of the required processing plant,
we believe that we will be able to commence development with a view to
production potentially before the end of 2013."

Further Information

RHA covers 1,800ha land holding and is located approximately 20km south-east of
Hwange and 270km north of Bulawayo in the prospective multi-commodity Kamativi
Tin Belt in north-west Zimbabwe. The Project has excellent infrastructure with
electrical power available from a ZESA power line, industrial water available
from the mine dam and domestic water available from a borehole. Furthermore,
the project has easy access via the main Bulawayo-Victoria Falls tar road and
25km of gravel road to the mine.

Intermittent small scale mining has been conducted at RHA and the adjacent Tung
mine (which Premier has an option to acquire) 5km away, and between 1931 and
1979 jointly produced 1,247 tonnes of concentrate at an average concentrate
grade of 65% WOȝ.

RHA occupies a low ridge approximately 850m long and 300m wide standing circa
120m above its surroundings. Historic mine workings are in the form of adits,
open pits, caved stopes, trenches, roads and rock dumps that occupy the
surface. Tailings dumps are located on the north and south sides of the ridge.

Previous mine development was almost entirely carried out during the 1930s
where the mine was developed on 30m levels from 945m to 849m, by means of
horizontal adits into the sides of the ridge and a single vertical shaft down
to the 845m level. Some open pitting also occurred on the western part of the
deposit.

During the mid to late 1970s Falconbridge Ltd (which is now part of Xstrata),
trading as Blanket Mines in Zimbabwe, carried out underground geological
mapping and extensive channel sampling on the accessible parts of the
underground workings, principally on the 926, 895 and 859 levels. Exploration
work was curtailed due to the political and security situation prevailing in
the country at that time.

At RHA, the known mineralised lodes and veins occur within an envelope that
extends over a strike of approximately 400m with a maximum width of 150m. The
lodes are thought to converge to the east of the property. The lodes strike
approximately northeast-southwest paralleling the regional trend of Kamativi
Inlier.

The host country-rock comprises high-grade, strongly foliated biotite schists
and paragneisses of the Precambrian Dete Inlier belonging to the Tshontada
Formation. The formation trends northeast on a regional scale, paralleling the
trend of the Kamativi Inlier and dips steeply to the northwest.

The tungsten mineralisation occurs in quartz veins and shear zones, within a
sequence of quartz-tourmaline and pelitic schists that may be associated with
granite intrusions. High metamorphic grades with localised partial melting are
also evident. The schists also show that extreme deformation has occurred and
mylonite bands are common. The association of quartz veins with tourmaline
schist form distinct lodes which were exploited by historic mining at RHA.
These lodes are steeply dipping to the northwest at 80o to 90o. Seven lodes
have been previously identified which were exploited in the past.

The tungsten mineral of primary economic interest is wolframite (Fe,MnWO4),
with minor amounts of scheelite (CaWO4). The only other mineral of potential
economic significance is chalcopyrite (CuFeS2). The wolframite occurs as
euhedral crystals, laths and clusters that may be up to 50mm by 30mm in size.
This very coarse grain size is characteristic of the quartz vein-hosted
tungsten mineralisation.

Exploration Update

Premier commenced a diamond drilling (`DD') programme in January 2012, prior to
the Company's admission to AIM in December 2012. This programme included five
inclined DD holes which were completed for a total of 1,302m. All holes were
drilled at an angle of -45o and started at NQ-size, reducing to BQ-size when
ground conditions permitted.

In an initial round of sampling, a quarter of core was sampled over 3m
intervals for the full length of each borehole and analysed for WO3, copper
(`Cu'), tin (`Sn') and tantalum (`Ta') at the SGS laboratories in Johannesburg.
Certain of the WO3 values were found to be of significant economic interest and
these results are tabulated below.

Table 1: Significant analytical results from the initial sampling programme

  Borehole      Intercept (m)       WO3%      WO3 kg/t  
                                                        
DD002         13.14 -16.14      0.45%        4.50       
                                                        
DD002         205.50 - 208.5    0.24%        2.40       
                                                        
DD002         208.50 - 211.50   0.37%        3.70       
                                                        
DD003         70.50 - 73.50     0.50%        5.00       
                                                        
DD003         73.50 - 76.50     0.56%        5.60       
                                                        
DD003         76.50 - 79.50     0.40%        4.00       
                                                        
DD003         79.50 - 82.50     0.39%        3.90       
                                                        
DD003         82.50 - 85.50     0.45%        4.50       
                                                        
DD004         97.78 - 100.78    0,78%        7.80       
                                                        
DD004         109.78 - 112.78   0.35%        3.50       
                                                        
DD004         112.78 - 115.78   0.95%        9.50       
                                                        
DD005         166.00 - 169.00   0.27%        2.70       
                                                        
DD005         172.00 - 175.00   0.29%        2.90       
                                                        
DD005         175.00 - 178.00   0.43%        4.30       
                                                        
DD005         181.00 - 184.00   0.15%        1.50       
                                                        
DD005         184.00 - 187.00   0.25%        2.50       
                                                        
DD005         205.00 - 208.00   0.37%        3.70       
                                                        
DD005         211.00 - 214.00   0.34%        3.40       
                                                        
DD006         28.24 - 31.24     0.42%        4.20       
                                                        
DD006         61.24 - 64.24     1.33%        13.3       

      NB: The intercept is the intersection width and not the true width.      

It is worth noting that tungsten mineralisation is present over significant
intersection widths as shown below.

Table 2: Weighted average grades from the RHA boreholes

  Borehole      Intercept (m)     Width (m)   WO3%    WO3 kg/  m.kg/t  
                                                         t       WO3   
                                                                       
DD002        205.50 - 208.50      3.00      0.24%     2.40    7.20     
                                                                       
DD002        208.50 - 211.50      3.00      0.37%     3.70    11.10    
                                                                       
Weighted average 3.05kg/t over 6m                                      
                                                                       
  Borehole      Intercept (m)     Width (m)   WO3%    WO3 kg/  m.kg/t  
                                                         t       WO3   
                                                                       
DD003        70.50 - 73.50        3.00      0.50%     5.00    15.00    
                                                                       
DD003        73.50 - 76.50        3.00      0.56%     5.60    16.80    
                                                                       
DD003        76.50 - 79.50        3.00      0.40%     4.00    12.00    
                                                                       
DD003        79.50 - 82.50        3.00      0.39%     3.90    11.70    
                                                                       
DD003        82.50 - 85.50        3.00      0.45%     4.50    13.50    
                                                                       
Weighted average 4.60kg/t over 15m                                     
                                                                       
  Borehole      Intercept (m)     Width (m)   WO3%    WO3 kg/  m.kg/t  
                                                         t       WO3   
                                                                       
DD004        109.78 - 112.78      3.00      0.35%     3.50    10.50    
                                                                       
DD004        112.78 - 115.78      3.00      0.95%     9.50    28.50    
                                                                       
Weighted average 6.50kg/t over 6m                                      
                                                                       
Borehole     Intercept (m)        Width (m) WO3%      WO3 kg/ m.kg/t   
                                                      t       WO3      
                                                                       
DD005        172.00 - 175.00      3.00      0.29%     2.90    8.70     
                                                                       
DD005        175.00 - 178.00      3.00      0.43%     4.30    12.90    
                                                                       
Weighted average 3.60kg/t over 6m                                      
                                                                       
Borehole     Intercept (m)        Width (m) WO3%      WO3 kg/ m.kg/t   
                                                      t       WO3      
                                                                       
DD005        181.00 - 184.00      3.00      0.15%     1.50    4.50     
                                                                       
DD005        184.00 - 187.00      3.00      0.25%     2.50    7.50     
                                                                       
Weighted average 2.00kg/t over 6m                                      

      NB: The intercept is the intersection width and not the true width.      

The positive results received from the first round of sampling prompted Premier
to conduct a further detailed logging and sampling of the drill core during Q4
2012. Zones where assay results returned tungsten values over 0.15% WO3 were
the primary target of this campaign. 198 samples were taken excluding blanks,
duplicates and CRMs. The relative density of each sample has been determined by
means of a Density Scale. These samples are to be submitted to SGS,
Johannesburg for analysis. The analytical results are targeted to be received
by mid to late March 2013.

Importantly, the detailed geological logging has revealed that the tungsten
mineralisation is in the form of very coarse wolframite crystals, hosted within
narrow quartz veins. These veins are between 5cm and 10cm in width and with few
exceptions are hosted within quartz-tourmaline schist bands that make up the
known lodes.

Certain results of the mineralised quartz veins are shown below to illustrate
the degree and coarse nature of the wolframite mineralisation.

  * DD002: 14.58 - 14.64m quartz vein in tourmaline schist mineralised with
    coarse wolframite
   
  * DD003: 76.79 - 77.07m quartz vein mineralised by a single large block of
    wolframite
   
  * D005: 237.53 - 237.63m 40mm quartz vein with a large cluster of wolframite
    intergrown with fine grained chalcopyrite
   
  * DD004: 112.35 - 112.58m sheared quartz vein with laths of euhedral
    wolframite
   
  * DD006: 29.37 - 29.49m weathered quartz vein, partially oxidised wolframite
   
  * DD006: 61.07 - 61.20m quartz vein with wolframite laths and clusters broken
    up by shearing
   
Drillholes DD005 and DD006 revealed two, or possibly three, previously unknown,
well mineralised quartz veins lying in the hanging wall of the existing lodes.
In DD005, a quartz vein was intersected at an inclined depth of 33.55 to
33.65m. In DD006, quartz veins were intersected at inclined depths of
29.37-29.49m and 61.07 to 61.20m. The boreholes were drilled 100m apart, Strike
continuity of the veins between the drillholes has yet to be established.
Further low-cost surface trenching and sampling will be undertaken by Premier
in Q1 2013 to confirm the extent of these mineralised quartz veins.

Techno-economic study

Premier has commissioned mining consultants, CAE Mining of Johannesburg to
construct a 3D Datamine model using information derived from historic plans and
sections, and the results of the historic Falconbridge channel sampling work
undertaken at RHA. This work is now at an advanced stage and the results of
Premier's first round of sampling have been modelled. The analytical results
from Premier's latest round of detailed sampling will be evaluated and included
into the 3D Datamine model when the results are available. As mentioned, the
results of the latest round of sampling undertaken by Premier are targeted for
mid to end of March 2013. The completed model will be used as the basis for a
concept mine technical and economic study which the Company is targeting to
commence towards the end of Q1 2013.

The study will determine the most beneficial method of exploiting the known
extent of the RHA deposit. It will also consider the option of early and
low-cost production from the recently discovered mineralised quartz veins, and
from existing tailings dams and dumps. Given the availability of water and
power at the RHA mine, and the relative simplicity of the required processing
plant, the Company believes that production may be able to start before the end
of 2013.

Qualified Person:

The technical information contained in this announcement has been prepared and
reviewed by Robert Ingram BSc, C.Eng., Pr.Nat.Sci., FGSSA, MSEG, and Professor
Alexander du Plessis PrEng, BSc(Eng), MSc(Eng), CertEng, FSAIMM, who are the
appointed consultants to Premier African Minerals Limited. Mr Ingram is
registered with The South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions
(SACNASP) Registration Number 400057/92, and Professor du Plessis with the
Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) registration Number 950232. They are
satisfied with the accuracy and precision of this release by Premier African
Minerals Limited.

                                   **ENDS**                                    

For further information please visit www.premierafricanminerals.com or contact
the following:

Pamela Hueston      Premier African Minerals        Tel: [phone]  
                    Limited                                                    
                                                                               
Tony Rawlinson      Cairn Financial Advisers LLP    Tel: [phone]  
                    (Nominated Adviser)                                        
                                                                               
Jerry Keen          Shore Capital Stockbrokers      Tel: [phone]  
                    Limited                                                    
                                                                               
Edward Mansfield    Shore Capital Stockbrokers      Tel: [phone]  
                    Limited                                                    
                                                                               
Felicity Edwards    St Brides Media & Finance Ltd   Tel: [phone]  

Notes

Premier African Minerals Limited is a multi-commodity exploration and
development company focussed in Southern and West Africa. The Company has a
diverse portfolio of multi-commodity projects which includes tungsten,
phosphate, rare earth elements (`REE'), gold, lithium, tantalum, uranium and
clays, in Zimbabwe and Togo, at various stages of development. Premier plans to
utilise the strengths of its proven Board and management team, which is highly
experienced in developing resource projects in Africa, to fulfil its strategy
of developing and targeting projects which offer near term value uplift either
through exploration, strategic alliances or commercial opportunities.

The Company has two flagship projects in NW Zimbabwe (tungsten and REE) which
offer near-term resource and future production potential. The RHA Tungsten
Project is described herein, and Premier's second priority project in Zimbabwe
is the Katete REE project, which again has the potential to be developed as an
open pit mine. The project, which spans 3,750 ha, has returned a peak result
from trenching of 14.6% TREO. Premier is targeting to delineate a maiden
resource in H1 2013.

In Togo, the Company has prioritised a further two projects for exploration:
the Southern Togo Phosphate Project and the Dapaong Gold project. The Southern
Togo project, which has excellent infrastructure being only 35km from the Port
of Lome, has a conceptual exploration target of 75Mt at 32% Pâ‚‚Oâ‚…. Additionally,
it recently secured the exploration permits for its Dapaong gold project in
northern Togo where there has been significant artisanal activity illustrating
the prospectivity of the unexplored area.

Premier also has a pipeline portfolio of projects which further de-risks the
Company's exposure and it is assessing new opportunities that complement its
investment criteria to drive the Company forward and build a leading
multi-commodity exploration and development company in Africa.