Lindi Jumbo graphite project, Tanzania – update

28th May 2021 By: Sheila Barradas - Creamer Media Research Coordinator & Senior Deputy Editor

Lindi Jumbo graphite project, Tanzania – update

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
Preproduction capital costs have decreased from $29.7-million in the 2017 DFS to $27.8-million in the enhanced DFS.

Planned Start/End Date
The construction schedule has not been modified in the enhanced DFS, as commissioning can be achieved 9 to 12 months after project-start funding has been received.

Latest Developments
Walkabout Resources has started prestart activities at its Lindi Jumbo project, with first production on track for the second quarter of 2022.

“Our focus in stage 1 and 2 construction are on those items on the critical path, including the civils required for plant erection and the continued manufacture and shipping of plant equipment from our engineering, procurement and construction contractor in China,” CEO Allan Mulligan has said.

Walkabout secured a $20-million debt funding in April this year from CRDB Bank of Tanzania, with its current capital raise of A$7.6-million to close on June 25.

Alternatives for the final and third tranche of development capital raise are being assessed.

Key Contracts, Suppliers and Consultants
None stated.

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