Mozambique has taken a major step into graphite processing with the inauguration of a new facility capable of handling 200,000 metric tons per year at a Chinese-owned mine, according to a Reuters report.
President Daniel Chapo officially opened the plant as the southeast African country accelerates production of the battery mineral.
Data from the United States Geological Survey shows that global mined graphite output totals about 1.6 million metric tons annually, with Mozambique ranking among the world’s leading producers.
Graphite, known for its high efficiency in conducting heat and electricity, is an essential material for batteries used in electric vehicles and mobile phones.
China, which holds the largest graphite reserves globally, currently dominates both the mining and processing of the mineral, with Chinese investment playing a central role in expanding capacity abroad.
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Speaking at the inauguration, President Chapo said Mozambique, also resuming construction of a $20 billion liquefied natural gas project with French oil major TotalEnergies (TTEF.PA), is focused on fully leveraging its natural resources.
“Today we are entering the world’s industrial map. We are no longer a supplier of raw materials, but a producer, processor and exporter of materials,” he said.
The graphite project is being developed by Chinese firm DH Mining, which began operations at the Nipepe mine in 2014. The company has invested $200 million in mining and processing infrastructure.
According to director Sang Shong, the facility currently employs 890 workers and is expected to expand its workforce to 2,000 in the second phase.
Additional graphite projects are progressing in the surrounding area, including operations by Australia’s Syrah Resources and Dutch metals company AMG in Cabo Delgado province.
Another Australian company, Triton Minerals, is also advancing its Ancuabe project in the same region.
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Image Credit: Club Of Mozambique
