Australia-listed Walkabout has successfully produced and shipped its first batch of on-specification graphite concentrate from the Lindi Jumbo graphite mine in Tanzania.
This shipment, bound for Europe, marks a significant milestone for the project during its commissioning phase.
Managing Director and CEO Andrew Cunningham emphasized the importance of this achievement, highlighting the progress of the project and the dedication of everyone involved.
“To achieve our first concentrate shipment from site, at a time when customers are looking to shore up their graphite supply chains, is a rewarding and outstanding outcome,” he said.
The entry of the Lindi Jumbo mine into the market coincides with a widening gap between Chinese domestic and international graphite prices.
Recent developments, including the US announcement of a 25% tariff on Chinese natural graphite and China’s export restrictions, have raised concerns over supply security.
The first consignment of bagged graphite concentrate was shipped to Dar es Salaam for sale to Wogen under an exclusive offtake agreement. This sale is part of a larger order from a European end-customer.
Cunningham expressed optimism about future opportunities, stating, “We now have the opportunity to engage with more end-users as we continue to demonstrate we have a viable product and that we are serious contenders in the development of non-Chinese graphite supply.”
