Tanzania is positioning itself to become one of the world’s leading producers of graphite, as the government moves to expand large-scale mining projects across the country.
The Minister for Minerals, Anthony Mavunde, said the country is seeking to strengthen its role in the global graphite market through 30 companies holding medium and large-scale mining licences.
He said the move would increase Tanzania’s competitiveness against China, which currently leads global graphite production with an annual output of 1.2 million tonnes.
Mr Mavunde made the remarks on May 28, 2026 during the signing ceremony of a joint venture agreement between the government and Lindi Jumbo Limited in Ruangwa District, Lindi Region.
The project is expected to produce 40,000 tonnes of graphite annually for more than 24 years.
The minister said the launch of large-scale graphite mining projects would place Tanzania among strategic nations in the production of minerals used in electric vehicle battery manufacturing.
He credited the achievement to the policies and leadership of President Samia Suluhu Hassan, saying the government has continued to strengthen the investment climate and improve the management of natural resources.
“President Samia Suluhu Hassan has continued to build Tanzania into a nation with a clear economic vision, a favourable investment environment and strong management of its resources,” he said.
Mr Mavunde added that the agreement reflected the government’s commitment to creating a stable and predictable legal and policy framework for investors.
He said Tanzania currently ranks sixth globally in graphite production, with annual output standing at 25,000 tonnes from two major producing companies, namely Lindi Jumbo Limited and God Mwanga.
The minister said 28 other licence holders were at different stages of preparing for production.
He warned companies holding graphite mining licences to begin operations or risk losing their permits.
The government has identified graphite as one of the strategic minerals expected to support industrial growth and the transition to clean energy technologies worldwide.
