Northern Graphite Advances Okanjande Mine Restart as Namibia Targets Growing Global Battery Materials Market
Northern Graphite has announced that the relocation of processing infrastructure to its Okanjande graphite mine in Namibia is now 60% complete, marking a significant milestone in the company’s plans to restart production and strengthen its position in the global battery materials supply chain.
The Canadian mining company said processing facilities are being transferred from the former Okorusu mine site to Okanjande, with Rotary Engineering Services overseeing the dismantling, transportation, and reassembly of the remaining plant infrastructure.
The relocation project is expected to be completed by June 2026 and forms a key part of preparations for the planned restart of graphite production in late 2027.
Lower Costs and Expansion Potential
According to Northern Graphite, moving the processing plant directly to the mine site will improve operational efficiency, reduce production costs, enhance sustainability, and create opportunities for future expansion.
The restart of Okanjande is central to the company’s broader strategy of building an integrated graphite and battery materials business spanning Africa, North America, and the Middle East.
Supporting the Global Battery Supply Chain
The company plans to supply graphite concentrate from Okanjande to a proposed Battery Anode Material (BAM) facility in Yanbu, Saudi Arabia, where production is expected to begin in 2028.
Northern Graphite previously announced plans to develop the facility through a joint venture with Saudi Arabia’s Obeikan Investment Group.
The plant is expected to manufacture battery anode materials used in lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles and energy storage systems.
Strategic Asset in Critical Minerals Supply
As governments and manufacturers seek to diversify critical mineral supply chains away from China, Northern views Okanjande as a strategically important asset.
China currently dominates global graphite processing and battery anode production, making alternative sources increasingly valuable.
The company highlighted several advantages of the Namibian project, including a high-quality graphite resource, proximity to the deep-water port of Walvis Bay, and a relatively short development timeline compared with many competing graphite projects worldwide.
These factors are expected to position Okanjande as a competitive supplier to customers in North America, Europe, and the Middle East.
Looking Ahead
Northern Graphite CEO Hugues Jacquemin described the company as entering a pivotal phase of growth.
“With a stronger balance sheet, advancing operations, and a clear strategy, Northern is progressing toward becoming an integrated global graphite and battery materials producer,” he said.
Jacquemin added that the company expects to restart production at its Lac des Iles operation, advance toward a final investment decision on the Yanbu BAM facility, and continue positioning Okanjande as a scalable source of graphite for international markets.
Located near Otjiwarongo, Okanjande remains Namibia’s only known graphite mine and is expected to play an increasingly important role as global demand for battery minerals continues to accelerate.
About the Author
