In the heart of Africa, Tanzania stands poised to lead in graphite production and the continent’s critical minerals industry, with global implications for renewable energy and technology sectors. A recent report by the World Bank, corroborated by the US Geological Survey, places Tanzania as a rapidly emerging force in graphite mining, projected to be the sixth-largest producer globally and third-largest in Africa by 2050.
Tanzania’s Strategic Graphite Reserves
Home to nearly 5% of the world’s total graphite reserves—an estimated 323.8 million tonnes—Tanzania is ready to meet soaring global demand. Critical mineral graphite, a crystalline carbon used in lithium-ion batteries, steelmaking, and lubricants, is essential for many modern technologies. Demand for graphite is projected to increase by 500% by 2050, driven primarily by advancements in battery storage technologies, particularly for electric vehicles and renewable energy solutions.
Major graphite deposits in Tanzania lie in the central and southeastern regions, where the government has identified several promising projects. Key graphite projects, such as Lindi Jumbo, Bunyu, Chilalo, Epanko, Mahenge, Nachu, and Bagamoyo, span various stages from exploration to near-production and have already attracted global attention from investors eager to tap into this growing market.
Tanzanian Mining Vision 2030: Securing Investor Confidence
The State Mining Corporation (STAMICO), led by Managing Director Dr. Venance Mwasse, is advancing Tanzania’s Mining Vision 2030. The strategy aims to derisk Tanzania’s mining sector by expanding geological research and enhancing high-resolution surveys of potential mining zones from 16% to 50% coverage by 2030. This initiative is designed to lower investor risks by providing clear, actionable geological data, thereby shortening start-up times and boosting investor confidence.
Addressing the recent Africa Critical Minerals Summit in South Africa, Dr. Mwasse emphasized Tanzania’s readiness to serve as a regional hub for critical minerals processing and refining. He announced plans to build processing facilities in Tanzania that could also serve neighboring countries. This would enable mineral-rich countries like Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo to process raw materials within Africa, fostering regional economic growth.
A Pan-African Vision for Mineral Processing and Refining
Beyond bolstering local mining initiatives, Tanzania advocates for a unified African approach to critical minerals. Collaboration among African countries could enable the establishment of efficient processing and refining facilities, crucial steps in adding value to Africa’s raw materials before export. The Kabanga Nickel multi-metal smelter, set to open in Tanzania’s Kahama region, exemplifies this vision. As one of the few multi-metal facilities on the continent, it will process metals from various African nations, enhancing Africa’s self-sufficiency and economic resilience.
The Kabanga smelter symbolizes a shift towards resource-based industrialization in Africa, aimed at reducing reliance on international processing facilities and maximizing the continent’s economic gains.
Tanzania’s Expanding Role in Global Graphite Supply Chains
As the world moves toward more sustainable energy solutions, demand for critical minerals, particularly graphite, will only intensify. Tanzania’s significant graphite resources position it as a key supplier in global supply chains, with potential export markets in Europe, the U.S., and Asia. Government-led initiatives and STAMICO’s involvement in granting exploration licenses and conducting preliminary research have streamlined investment processes, encouraging further investment in critical mineral development.
A Path to Africa’s Resource Independence
Tanzania’s ambitious goals highlight the broader potential for Africa to assert itself in the global mining industry. Dr. Mwasse’s call for a cooperative approach to mineral processing underscores a long-term vision for African self-sufficiency in critical mineral resources. By strengthening state-owned mining corporations and building intra-African partnerships, Tanzania and its neighbors could achieve increased national benefits and elevate Africa’s role in the high-demand mineral sector.
As the world’s appetite for graphite and other critical minerals accelerates, Tanzania’s proactive stance is set to unlock vast economic opportunities, creating a pivotal role for the nation in the green energy revolution.
