Walkabout Resources Ltd (ASX:WKT) can now begin operations at its Lindi Jumbo Graphite Mine tailings storage facility (TFS) in Tanzania, after receiving the greenlight from the government.
The company says its 28.3-hectare TFS has been designed and constructed to meet the highest international standards for the safe storage of graphite tailings, representing one of the most significant capital investments for the construction of the mine.
Clear to begin mine production
After submitting the Detailed Construction Report for the TSF, WKT has now received the operating permit from the Ministry of Water in Dodoma.
The permit requires some minor updates to operating documentation and some further monitoring equipment to be installed.
"With the receipt of the final government approval for the operation of the Lindi Jumbo mine, we are now clear to commence both wet commissioning and production of the mine,” Walkabout Resources managing director and CEO Andrew Cunningham said.
Walkabout has designed its TFS to capture and recirculate water in excess of that required for the environmentally sound storage of tailings waste.
The recirculation is meant to reduce the need for new water to be added to the plant process.
The TFS will need to be lifted throughout the mine life as more storage is required.
WKT is developing the high-grade Lindi Jumbo Graphite Project in Southeast Tanzania to capitalise on forecast demand for large and jumbo flake graphite products, especially for emerging future tech like lithium-ion batteries.