Tanzania Has Now Formalised Its 16% Stake in Lindi Jumbo Graphite Mine 

Beyond the ownership structure, the deal highlights Tanzania’s effort to convert its growing graphite endowment into industrial leverage, as policymakers move to enforce production timelines, consolidate operating assets and attract downstream investment in a market still heavily dominated by China. The transaction signals a wider shift in Tanzania’s mining regime, where statutory state participation, stricter enforcement of licence conditions and a focus on critical minerals are converging into a more interventionist model aimed at capturing long-term value from the energy transition supply chain.

Tanzania has formalised its statutory 16% equity participation in the Lindi Jumbo graphite mine in Ruangwa, Lindi Region, through a joint venture agreement with Lindi Jumbo Limited, establishing a new entity named Ndovu Graphite Limited.

The signing ceremony took place on May 28, 2026, in Ruangwa District, with Minister of Minerals Anthony Mavunde signing on behalf of the government. Under the agreement, Lindi Jumbo Limited holds an 84% stake, while the Tanzanian state retains 16% through a non-dilutable free carried interest, in line with the Mining Act 2017.

The Lindi Jumbo mine, valued at more than $82 million, has an annual production capacity of 40,000 tonnes of graphite concentrate and a mine life of 24 years. The project has created more than 300 jobs to date.

“President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan has continued to build and position our country as a nation with a clear economic vision, a favorable investment environment, and strong management of its natural resources,” said Minister of Minerals Anthony Mavunde.

Mavunde said Tanzania ranks sixth globally in graphite production, with current annual output of 25,000 tonnes from two large-scale mines, Lindi Jumbo in Ruangwa and God Mwanga in Tanga.

He added that 28 additional license holders are at various stages of development and warned that companies failing to begin production as required risk having their licenses revoked.

Mavunde said Tanzania is positioning itself to compete with China, which produces about 1.2 million tonnes of graphite annually, supported by more than 30 companies holding medium and large-scale mining licences.

He described graphite as a key mineral in the global energy transition due to its use in electric vehicle batteries.

The Lindi Jumbo deposit is located about 200 km from the port of Mtwara and is considered one of Africa’s highest-grade graphite deposits, with average ore grading of 17.9% total graphitic carbon and confirmed reserves of 5.5 million tonnes.

The mine produces multiple graphite flake sizes, including Super Jumbo, Jumbo Large and Jumbo Fine. India is currently its main export market, while the company is working to qualify exports into China and Germany.

The first shipment of graphite concentrate was exported in May 2024, and by June 2025 the mine had reached full annual production capacity of 40,000 tonnes.

Managing Director Andrew Cunningham of Lindi Jumbo Limited said the company plans to continue exploration to extend the mine’s life and expand long-term output.

Lindi Jumbo Limited was previously a wholly owned subsidiary of Walkabout Resources, which entered voluntary administration in November 2024 following cash flow pressures linked to port delays in Dar es Salaam and cost overruns.

Stay ahead of the stories shaping our world. Subscribe to Impact Newswire for timely, curated insights on global tech, business, and innovation all in one place.

Dive deeper into the future with the Cause Effect 4.0 Podcast, where we explore the ideas, trends, and technologies driving the global AI conversation.

Got a story to share? Pitch it to us at info@impactnews-wire.com and reach the right audience worldwide