(Ecofin Agency) – Tanzania is expected to supply more than 10% of the world’s graphite supply by 2030, helping to reduce Chinese domination of this market. In this East African country, a new graphite mine has just started exports.
Walkabout Resources announced on June 7 the first shipment of a batch of graphite concentrate produced at its Tanzanian Lindi Jumbo mine. This first shipment intended for Europe comes during the commissioning phase of the mine and will contribute to the increase in graphite exports from Tanzania, the third African producer of this product.
The entry into production of Lindi Jumbo especially increases the share of global graphite production not controlled by China, which currently accounts for around 70% of global production of natural and synthetic graphite. Several Western clients are therefore seeking to diversify their sources of supply to reduce their dependence on the Middle Kingdom. With its new mine capable of delivering 40,000 tonnes of graphite annually, Walkabout is positioning itself as one of the alternatives to this domination by Beijing.
“We now have the opportunity to engage with more end users as we continue to demonstrate that we have a viable product and are serious competitors in expanding non-Chinese graphite supply», Explains Andrew Cunningham, CEO of the Australian company.
As a reminder, it is also in Africa, precisely in Mozambique, that the largest graphite mine outside of China is located. This is Balama, a project operated by the Australian Syrah Resources and capable of delivering 350,000 tonnes of graphite per year.
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05/03/2024 – Australian Walkabout Resources still does not produce graphite in Africa, despite recent advances
