Photo by: Walkabout Resources
Name of the Project
Lindi Jumbo graphite project.
Location
South-east Tanzania.
Project Owner/s
Walkabout Resources.
Project Description
The Lindi Jumbo project has mineral ore reserves of 5.15-million tonnes grading 17.9% total graphitic carbon for 987 000 t of contained graphite.
The mine life has increased from 20 years in the 2017 definitive feasibility study (DFS) to 24 years in the enhanced DFS to produce 40 000 t/y of graphite.
Once commissioned, Lindi Jumbo will officially be the first modern, large-scale graphite mine in Tanzania, as well as the first critical minerals asset in the country to go into full production.
Potential Job Creation
Not stated.
Net Present Value/Internal Rate of Return
The pretax net present value has increased from $302-million, at a 10% discount rate in the 2017 DFS, to $335-million in the enhanced DFS. The project’s pretax internal rate of return is estimated at 142% in the enhanced DFS, from 108% in the 2017 DFS. The payback period is less than two years.
Capital Expenditure
With the contracting of the power and camp scope changes, and the Lindi Jumbo plant construction nearing completion, the final estimated capital cost for the mine is $34.5-million, up from the $27.8-million estimated in the original DFS, Walkabout said on September 7, 2023.
The bulk of this cost was incurred in 2021.
Planned Start/End Date
The Lindi Jumbo project is preparing for operational readiness in early 2024.
Latest Developments
Walkabout has produced and shipped its first consignment of on-specification graphite concentrate.
The shipment is destined for Europe, marking a milestone for the project during its commissioning phase.
The first consignment of bagged graphite concentrate was shipped to Dar es Salaam for sale to Wogen under an exclusive offtake agreement. The sale forms part of a larger order from an end-customer in Europe.
The Lindi Jumbo mine’s entry into the market comes at a time when there is a widening gap between Chinese domestic and international prices. The recent announcement by the US of a 25% tariff on Chinese natural graphite, coupled with China's export restrictions, have heightened concerns about supply security.
Key Contracts, Suppliers and Consultants
TNR (bulk earthworks civil engineering works contract); Yantai Jinpeng Mining Machinery (EPC); and Axis Group International (EPC oversight).
Contact Details for Project Information
Walkabout Resources, tel +61 8 6298 7500 or email admin@wkt.com.au.