RUANGWA: Tanzania has signed agreements with Lindi Jumbo Limited for a joint venture in graphite mining through Ndovu Graphite Limited, in a move aimed at strengthening the country’s position in the global critical minerals market.
The signing ceremony took place at the project site in Ruangwa, Lindi Region, where the Minister for Minerals Anthony Mavunde signed on behalf of the Tanzanian government.
Speaking at the signing ceremony today,May 28, 2026, the minister said Tanzania is now emerging as one of the world’s key producers of high-quality graphite.
Additionally, Mr Mavunde said that the Lindi Jumbo project is among the best globally, with ore grading an average of 17.9 percent Total Graphitic Carbon (TGC), one of the highest in Africa.
According to the minister, the project is strategically important as the world shifts toward critical minerals that power modern technology, industrial development and the global economy.
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The minister stated that once fully operational, the project is expected to produce about 40,000 tonnes of graphite annually for around 24 years, placing Ruangwa at the centre of the global technology value chain.
“Graphite is one of the most important minerals in today’s global economy, it is essential in the production of electric vehicles, modern batteries and clean energy systems,” he said.
He added that the world is undergoing major economic and technological transformation, with countries competing for secure access to critical minerals, which he described as the foundation of the future economy.
He further said Tanzania has been given a unique opportunity to take part in what he called a new global era driven by graphite often referred to as “black gold” comparing its importance in this century to oil in the previous one.