Name of the Project
Lindi Jumbo graphite project.

Location
South-east Tanzania.

Project Owner/s
Walkabout Resources.

Project Description
The Lindi Jumbo project has mineral ore reserves of 5.15-million tonnes grading 17.9% total graphitic carbon for 987 000 t of con­tained graphite.

The mine life has increased from 20 years in the 2017 definitive feasibility study (DFS) to 24 years in the enhanced DFS to produce 40 000 t/y of graphite.

Potential Job Creation
Not stated.

Net Present Value/Internal Rate of Return
The pretax net present value has increased from $302-million, at a 10% discount rate in the 2017 DFS, to $335-million in the enhanced DFS. The project’s pretax internal rate of return is estimated at 142% in the enhanced DFS, from 108% in the 2017 DFS. The payback period is less than two years.

Capital Expenditure
With the contracting of the power and camp scope changes, and the Lindi Jumbo plant construction nearing completion, the final estimated capital cost for the mine is $34.5-million, up from the $27.8-million estimated in the original DFS, Walkabout said on September 7, 2023.

The bulk of this cost was incurred in 2021.

Planned Start/End Date
The Lindi Jumbo project is preparing for operational readiness in early 2024.

Latest Developments
The mine is on track for dry commissioning in the last quarter of this year, as China’s graphite export restrictions present an opportunity for Walkabout to enter new markets and benefit from positive price momentum.

CEO and MD Andrew Cunningham has said the construction team at the mine has made significant progress in delivering the project on schedule while maintaining an “impeccable safety record”.

Key Contracts, Suppliers and Consultants
TNR (bulk earthworks civil engineering works contract); Yantai Jinpeng Mining Machinery (EPC); and Axis Group International (EPC oversight).

Contact Details for Project Information
Walkabout Resources, tel +61 8 6298 7500 or email admin@wkt.com.au.