Northern Graphite, an Ottawa-based producer of natural battery materials, announced it has completed the relocation of its processing plant in Namibia to the Okangandi mine site, the first step towards resuming production planned for 2027.
This news follows the 2023 Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA), which evaluated relocating the processing plant and determined the technical and economic feasibility of the approach. The company said the new location eliminates the need to transport materials over long distances, which will reduce operating costs and greenhouse gas emissions.
“With the plant equipment now in place at the mine site, we are developing production preparations and strengthening the foundation to supply the BAM facility for our planned joint venture in Yanbu, Saudi Arabia, which is scheduled for initial production in 2028 as part of Northern’s broader mining-to-battery strategy,” said Hugues Jacquemin, CEO of Northern Graphite.
Okangandi graphite is expected to serve traditional industrial uses and the expanding battery materials and national security markets.
“Ukanjandi hosts a significant graphite resource in one of the most politically stable jurisdictions in Africa, with access to a deepwater port offering significant competitive advantages over many competing projects,” Jacomin added. “Completing the plant relocation de-risks the restart strategy and positions (the company) to move quickly to support secure graphite supply chains independent of China.”
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