Mozambique is projecting a 20% increase in graphite production for 2025, a modest recovery that remains far below pre-2024 levels, according to data compiled by Lusa from the government’s proposed Economic and Social Plan and State Budget (PESOE), currently under review in the Assembly of the Republic.
The government expects graphite output to reach 41,879 tonnes this year, up from 34,899 tonnes in 2024, which marked a sharp 64% decline from 2023.
By comparison, Mozambique produced 97,346 tonnes in 2023, following a record 165,932 tonnes in 2022, and 77,116 tonnes in 2021, based on official figures.
The 2025 growth forecast is partly attributed to the entry of new production from DH Mining, a Chinese-owned company that began operations on May 5 in Nipepe district, Niassa province. Once fully operational, the mine is expected to yield up to 200,000 tonnes per year.
Meanwhile, Syrah Resources, an Australian company operating one of the country’s largest graphite mines in Balama, Cabo Delgado, announced on May 6 that it had regained access to its site.
This follows a five-month suspension triggered by violent post-election protests, during which the company declared force majeure and halted exports for three consecutive quarters.
According to Syrah, operations resumed after a formal agreement was reached in April 2025 between farmers, government officials, and the company.
While most demonstrators ended their protest, a small group continued to block access without clear grievances until Mozambican authorities intervened in early May to restore order.
Syrah stated it is currently mobilizing inspection and maintenance teams and will soon provide updates on the restart of operations and product shipments from Balama.
The December 12, 2024 force majeure declaration cited worsening unrest following the October 9 general elections, which sparked nationwide protests resulting in the deaths of nearly 400 people, along with significant damage to public and private infrastructure.
The unrest and associated mine shutdowns contributed to the steep drop in Mozambique’s graphite production in 2024.
According to a February report by the Ministry of Finance, output reached only 11% of the original 329,040-tonne target for the year.
In addition to the shutdown of Syrah’s Balama operation, the decline was also linked to the suspension of activities at the GK Ancuabe Graphite Mine in 2023, and broader challenges in the global graphite market, including the rise of synthetic graphite and labour-related disruptions at Syrah.
Despite the setbacks, Syrah continues to advance its international plans, including the construction of a battery materials plant in Vidalia, Louisiana, USA, which will use graphite sourced from Mozambique.
The company shipped its first two tonnes of ore to the U.S. in April 2023.
