Tanzania has begun commercial production of graphite in Morogoro, marking a significant step in the country’s push to develop strategic minerals that are increasingly critical to global technology and energy transition industries.
Deputy Minister for Minerals Steven Kiruswa said on December 19 that the start of production reflects growing investor confidence in Tanzania’s mining sector, but warned that environmental protection and community responsibility must remain central to mining operations.
Kiruswa made the remarks during an inspection visit to a graphite mining and processing project operated by Synergy Tanzania Company Ltd (STCL) in Kisanzala village, Lundi ward, Morogoro district.
The project has entered the production phase using modern processing technology.
“This is an important milestone, not only for the company but also for the country, given the strategic importance of graphite in modern technology,” Kiruswa said. “However, investment must go hand in hand with strict adherence to environmental laws and responsible mining practices.”
Graphite is a key input in lithium-ion batteries used in electric vehicles, renewable energy storage and other high-tech applications.
Demand for the mineral has risen sharply as countries accelerate the transition to cleaner energy and electrification.
Kiruswa said mining companies are legally required to submit and implement environmental management plans, adding that failure to do so could undermine sustainability and community trust.
“Environmental protection is not optional. It is a legal and moral obligation,” he said.
He also urged mining firms to maintain accurate records to demonstrate their contribution to the national economy, including production volumes, employment creation and spending on corporate social responsibility (CSR) programmes.
“Tanzanians need to clearly see the value of these projects through jobs, revenue and community development,” the deputy minister said.
During the same visit, Kiruswa toured a processing plant operated by Guanui Mining Investment Group Ltd in Mkuyuni village, Morogoro district, where he commended the scale of investment and the company’s ability to serve both domestic and export markets.
Morogoro regional commissioner Adam Malima said the regional administration would continue to work closely with the Ministry of Minerals to strengthen oversight of mining activities and improve government revenue collection.
“Our focus is to ensure efficiency, transparency and accountability so that mining activities translate into tangible benefits for citizens and the national economy,” Malima said.
Morogoro regional resident mines officer Zabibu Napacho said the mining office was coordinating with local government authorities to improve data collection and monitoring of mining operations.
“We are strengthening collaboration at district and village levels to ensure accurate reporting of production and compliance with regulations,” Napacho said.
Synergy Tanzania Company Ltd manager Sanjay Dabhi said the graphite project had so far created more than 120 permanent jobs and 66 temporary positions, with priority given to local residents.
“We are committed to operating responsibly and supporting surrounding communities through employment and social development projects,” Dabhi said, adding that the company was implementing CSR initiatives in education, health and local infrastructure.
Earlier, Kiruswa visited the Morogoro regional mining office, where he received a briefing on the status of mining activities in the region and discussed operational challenges with staff.
Tanzania is positioning itself as a key player in Africa’s strategic minerals sector, seeking to balance investment attraction with environmental safeguards and community benefits as global demand for battery minerals continues to rise.