Tanzania is positioning itself to become one of the world’s leading producers of graphite as the government intensifies efforts to attract investment, expand production, and strengthen its role in the global supply of critical minerals used in clean energy technologies.
The Minister for Minerals, Anthony Mavunde, said Tanzania now has the potential to compete among top global producers following increased investment in graphite mining projects across the country.
He made the remarks on May 28, 2026, in Ruangwa District, Lindi Region, during the signing of a major public-private partnership agreement between the Government of Tanzania and Lindi Jumbo Limited for the expansion of a large-scale graphite mining project.
Mavunde said Tanzania is currently advancing through more than 30 companies holding medium and large-scale graphite mining licenses, a move expected to significantly boost national production and strengthen the country’s position in the global market dominated by countries such as China.
He said China currently leads global graphite production with about 1.2 million tonnes annually, but Tanzania is steadily building capacity to become a strong competitor in the sector.
According to him, the government under President Samia Suluhu Hassan has created a stable and predictable investment environment that continues to attract major mining investments and support the growth of strategic industries.
He said the agreement signed in Ruangwa reflects the success of government reforms aimed at improving investor confidence, strengthening legal frameworks, and ensuring fair benefit sharing from natural resources.
Mavunde also revealed that Tanzania currently ranks sixth in global graphite production, with annual output reaching about 25,000 tonnes. This production mainly comes from two operational projects, Lindi Jumbo and God Mwanga in Tanga, while 28 other licensed projects are expected to begin production in the near future.
He warned holders of the 28 graphite mining licenses that have not yet started production, saying the government will enforce the law and revoke licenses if companies fail to begin operations within required timelines.
He emphasized that graphite is a strategic mineral driving the global shift toward clean energy, especially in the production of batteries for electric vehicles and renewable energy storage systems.
The new project, valued at over 82 million US dollars, is expected to produce about 40,000 tonnes of graphite annually over a 24-year mine life. So far, more than 300 jobs have already been created, with more opportunities expected as production expands.
The government negotiation team leader in the mining sector, Sifuni Mchome, said the agreement will help strengthen government revenue systems, ensure stable income from mining investments, and increase job opportunities for Tanzanians.
He explained that under the agreement, the Government of Tanzania will hold a 16 percent non-dilutable free carried interest, while Lindi Jumbo Limited will hold 84 percent of the joint venture.
The Managing Director of Lindi Jumbo Limited, Andrew Cunningham, said the company will continue expanding production while carrying out further exploration to identify additional mineral deposits that could extend the mine’s lifespan and increase long-term benefits for Tanzania.
Local leaders also welcomed the investment, with the District Commissioner of Ruangwa and Acting District Commissioner of Nachingwea, Mohamed Moyo, praising the government for creating a favorable environment that continues to attract investors and drive development in Lindi Region.
He said mining projects are playing a key role in boosting local economic growth, creating employment opportunities, and improving livelihoods in surrounding communities.
The government has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring Tanzania maximizes benefits from strategic minerals, including graphite, as global demand continues to grow due to the transition to clean energy and electric mobility technologies.
