The production of graphite minerals has taken course with Graphite miner Lindi Jumbo Ltd investing $32 million. This exercise is expected to create hundreds of job opportunities at Ruangwa site in Lindi Region.
The firm’s administrative assistant, Mr Frederick Malima, said on Wednesday 7th July 2021 that actual investment will start next year, 2022. Speaking at the 45th Dares Salaam International Trade Fair (DITF), Mr Malima said that more than 500 direct and indirect jobs will be opened. The project covers 27.7 square kilometres of land, which is owned by the company.
According to Malima, production is anticipated to kick off next year and all the required procedures have been done. A mining license has also been already acquired. The clean-up operation in the mining site comprising of site erection and construction of staff houses has started. The first plant for extraction is expected to arrive in September. Lindi Jumbo Ltd will strictly follow the country’s local content law which aims at ensuring that local citizens reap the benefits of project.
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Some of the uses of this mineral are; making pencils, manufacturing batteries for vehicles and batteries for mobile phones among others.
The administrative assistant also said that research has confirmed the area to be viable for extraction for close to 24 years. The company will therefore start by producing 40,000 tonnes per year of graphite.
“We have come to the trade fair (DITF) to give Tanzanians the good news on jobs for young people and various other opportunities for citizens living near the mine,” he said.
Despite graphite being available at Mahenge in Morogoro and Arusha regions, the new mine is anticipated to be the largest producer in Tanzania. The main markets for the products will be overseas.
“We have not started exploration, but we have already found a market in Europe, China and the United States, so these minerals have a large market and their demand is increasing day by day. In domestic market, new schools are open every day as well as new vehicles and mobile phones so the company is confident and ready to invest such a huge amount for the country’s sustainable development.” He said.
