Walkabout Resources has made significant progress in the construction and commissioning of its Lindi Jumbo Graphite Mine in Tanzania.

After the successful feed of graphite ore through the crushing circuit in early January, the company is now poised to advance to the next phase of wet commissioning. With the first ore feed through the entire mine processing circuit scheduled for completion within the next month.

Highlights from the Lindi Jumbo:

• Arrival of all outstanding essential equipment on site to complete installation.
• Wet commissioning, including the first ore through the entire processing circuit, is planned within the next month.
• The Power Control Centre (PCC) is connected to grid power to enable the completion of dry commissioning at all outstanding circuits.
• The hiring and induction processes were completed for most of the leadership and support teams.
• Important support contracts were approved.
• Support facilities, including the camp, are ready for first production.

Managing Director and CEO of Walkabout Resources, Andrew Cunningham, commented:

“As we pioneer the start-up of a new graphite mining operation in Tanzania, I am proud of how our team and contractors have navigated the construction process as we transition to full operational readiness. To date, the commissioning of the completed processing circuits has gone according to plan, and I am confident that we are on track to start feeding high-grade graphite ore through the entire circuit within the next month.

“Undeterred by continued logistical challenges posed by the ongoing and significant shipping delays, the mine is meeting scheduled development milestones and ticking the boxes required to achieve safety and operative compliance,” said Cunningham.

“Once commissioning activities are finalised, the Lindi Jumbo Graphite Mine will officially become 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.”

Shipping update

Port congestion is causing delays in Dar es Salaam’s freight discharge, but the last essential mechanical and electrical equipment for wet commissioning the entire processing circuit has been received on site. Several smaller consignments are still enroute or at outer anchorage in Dar es Salaam.

Backup generators and larger orders of consumables are expected to arrive on site in March, despite unforeseen delays at Dar es Salaam Port, with civils completed for efficient installation and connection.

If further port delays ensue, the company will use readily available mobile generating capacity to react to a grid power interruption and conduct an orderly plant shutdown. This will enable the project team to run and test the entire processing circuit with minimal risk.

Smaller orders for consumables have been placed with alternative African suppliers as a backup, with deliveries expected to arrive well in advance of the start-up.

Processing plant construction

The receipt of critical plant to site equipment will allow for the completion of minor construction and installation works in parallel with commissioning activities. The shipment included a burner, mechanical, electrical, and control equipment, instrumentation cables, and additional cabling for connecting the PCC with motor control centres.

The company says any burner unit build and any outstanding electrical and instrumentation cable installation works should be completed quickly, as preparations have been made for steel platforms, plinths, cable racking, and piping without material impacting commissioning timelines.