Walkabout ships first graphite concentrate from Lindi Jumbo Graphite Mine
Walkabout Resources has achieved a significant milestone by producing and shipping its first consignment of on-specification graphite concentrate from the Lindi Jumbo Graphite Mine in Tanzania.
This event marks an important step in the commissioning of the Lindi Jumbo plant facility, enabling Walkabout Resources to enter the market with a saleable product and bolster global graphite supply chains, particularly those seeking alternatives to Chinese sources.
The first on-specification graphite concentrate has been produced and shipped to Dar es Salaam for sale to Wogen under an exclusive offtake agreement. This shipment is part of a larger order from a European customer.
Lindi Jumbo Graphite Mine
All sections of the plant have been commissioned, with a focus on increasing plant availability and throughput to reach the planned production volume of 40,000 tonnes per annum (Ktpa). The goal is to run the entire circuit more continuously and to meet end-to-end optimization for consistent customer specifications.
On-specification product is being transported to port, and any product not meeting specifications is reprocessed on-site. The Final Completion Certificate (FCC) will be issued once required throughput is sustained for 48 hours. Post commissioning, the mine is not expected to make further cash payments to the EPC contractor, Jinpeng, with any remaining balance settled through shares.
Major cost reductions have been achieved by running the plant entirely on grid power, lowering power costs by approximately 80%. Additionally, optimization of the rotary dryer has led to a 50% reduction in fuel usage.
The timing of Lindi Jumbo’s market entry is advantageous, given the recent imposition of a 25% tariff by the US on Chinese natural graphite and China’s export restrictions. These factors are causing a price disparity between Chinese domestic and ex-China graphite prices, benefiting Lindi Jumbo’s sales prospects.
