Northern Graphite has completed the relocation of processing equipment to its Okanjande graphite mine in Namibia, marking a key development step toward a planned production restart targeted for late 2027, subject to financing.
The company moved processing plant equipment from the former Okorusu site to Okanjande, located approximately 85 kilometres away. Northern Graphite said the relocation was completed on schedule, safely and without incident, with reassembly of the equipment planned for a later stage of the restart programme.
Processing plant relocation follows economic assessment
The equipment transfer is based on findings from the company’s 2023 preliminary economic assessment (PEA), which evaluated relocating the Namibian processing plant to Okanjande rather than refurbishing the existing mill at its previous location. Northern Graphite said the assessment confirmed the technical and economic viability of the relocation approach. The company considers the move an initial execution milestone toward restarting graphite production at Okanjande, although further development activities depend on securing the required financing.
Relocation strategy targets operating efficiencies
Northern Graphite said placing the processing facility at Okanjande will remove the requirement to transport material over longer distances. The company expects the approach to reduce fuel consumption, operating costs and associated greenhouse gas emissions.
The project design also includes potential sustainability measures, including the use of solar power and dry tailings technology, which Northern said could reduce water consumption and environmental impacts.
Okanjande positioned for graphite supply chain development
The Okanjande project is being developed within the wider effort to establish graphite supply chains outside China. Northern Graphite said graphite produced from Okanjande is expected to supply traditional industrial markets, including refractories, electronics heat management and automotive friction products.
The company also identified potential applications in national-security markets and battery materials supply chains. Northern Graphite said Okanjande could provide feedstock for its planned battery-anode material joint venture facility in Yanbu, Saudi Arabia, which is targeted for initial production in 2028.
Financing remains key restart requirement
Although the equipment relocation reduces some execution uncertainty, Okanjande still requires funding for further restart activities. The remaining requirements include plant reassembly, commissioning, working capital and restart operations. The next development milestones for Northern Graphite include securing financing, completing plant reassembly, confirming the restart schedule and advancing customer and offtake arrangements for graphite production.
