The construction of the Lindi Jumbo graphite mine in Tanzania is 77% complete according to Australian miner Walkabout Resources. Walkabout began construction of the mine in 2021. “The arrival on site of the large mechanical equipment means that certain areas of the processing plant can be completed fairly rapidly and more areas opened up for the construction team,” explained Walkabout CEO Andrew Cunningham.
The company supposes construction to finish by the final quarter of 2023. Walkabout estimates that the core zone of the deposit is of “super high grade”. Additionally, the core zone has five million tonnes of feed, 22.5% of which contains graphite.
Importantly, Lindi Jumbo Graphite Project will attract the construction of battery production companies in the region. Graphite is consumed in anode construction for the batteries, making some batteries roughly 28% graphite. Importantly, Graphite is assessed to experience increased demand in step with the rise in electric vehicle demand. GlobalData estimates that Tanzania grasps 5.6% of global graphite. While the focus is often on cathode materials like lithium and cobalt, graphite is also an essential part of a lithium-ion battery.
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Significance of the Lindi Jumbo Graphite Project in Tanzania
Once completed, Graphite production is set to grow by as much as 4.6% in 2023. Additionally, the Lindi Jumbo project is estimated to increase graphite production in Mozambique, Madagascar and Tanzania. It comes after an even larger (7.6%) growth in the industry between 2021 and 2022. It is expected that 1,258.2 kilotons of graphite will be produced by the end of 2023.
Equipment for the plant is expected to be delivered on two boats from China. Shipments from Australia and China for the construction will set off later in June. However, the company has faced problems in the provision of these shipments. Earlier in June the shipment from China was suspended due to a failure to complete a $20m debt drawdown.
