Production of graphite in Mozambique, an ore used in electric batteries, slowed by 40 per cent in the first half of 2024, due to the paralysis and interruption of activities at two mines.
According to data from the budget execution report, a total of 34,800 tonnes were produced compared to 58,700 tonnes in the same period last year.
‘This sharp decrease is the result of the paralysation of GK Ancuabe Graphite Mine’s activities since 2023, as well as the interruption of work at Twigg Mining and Exploration – a subsidiary in Mozambique of the Australian mining company Syrah – due to low demand for this mineral on the international market, combined with price volatility.’
The document published on Thursday, August 22, by Lusa, clarified that production corresponds to 11% of the target set by the government, which expects to reach 329,000 tonnes by the end of this year.
In April, Syrah Resources, which operates in the Balama district of Cabo Delgado in northern Mozambique, announced that it had begun supplying graphite to a battery manufacturer located in Indonesia. This is BTR New Materials, which has purchased 10,000 tonnes of graphite.
According to information released by the mining company, this was the first bulk sale to be made to a battery manufacturer outside of China.
‘This bulk sale follows an experimental shipment of containers of natural graphite fines from Balama to Indonesia. This import is another important development in our sales diversification strategy,’ he explained.
The mining company also said that BTR New Materials Group is building a battery factory in Indonesia, valued at 478 million dollars, with production due to start this year, so there could be new sales.
