God Mwanga Gems (GMG) has started up two processing plants for graphite concentrate in Kwedikabu and Kwamsisi, in the Tanga Region.

Tanzanian-owned GMG has added a nameplate capacity of 360ktpy graphite concentrate, with up to 95% total graphitic carbon (TGC) from the two facilities. The Kwedikabu mine (60ktpy) is notable for its high proportion of large flakes (over 80%), making it suitable for both battery-grade material and industrial uses such as foil, refractories, and lubricants.

Meanwhile, the larger Kwamsisi plant, which began operations in January 2025, contributes 300ktpy of additional output.

GMG is now advancing development of the Mererani Mine in the Manyara Region of Tanzania, which was operational in 2017 but was placed under care and maintenance in 2019 for infrastructure upgrades. Production is scheduled to restart in 2026, with a planned capacity of 180ktpy graphite concentrate at 95% TGC.

Overall, Tanzania is emerging as a key natural graphite producer in Africa, following Madagascar and Mozambique.

Project Blue is currently tracking 11 graphite projects in the country, with a total nameplate capacity of 1.2Mtpy graphite concentrate. In recent months, Tanzania has ramped up its production, with trade data indicating a significant rise in exports to Asia, particularly China and India.

Although both countries rank among the world’s top ten graphite producers, the limited availability of large-flake high-purity material has created opportunities for African suppliers to capture market share for niche industrial applications, including graphite foils and expandable graphite for flame retardants.

This trend has been further supported by new Tanzanian deposits, where more than 70% of the concentrate consists of large-jumbo flakes, enabling producers to achieve higher price premiums.

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