Mozambique, Madagascar, and Tanzania collectively hold an impressive 69 million tonnes of graphite reserves, representing 21% of the world’s total reserves. In 2021, Mozambique and Madagascar were significant players in graphite production, ranking as the third-largest producers worldwide. Each country contributed 6% to the global production, supported by major mining projects: Mozambique’s Balama Mining Project, Madagascar’s Molo Mining Project, and Tanzania’s Bunyu Mining Project. Graphite exports from these nations primarily go to markets in Germany, the United States, China, and India.
The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) has the potential to further boost regional graphite supply chains. For these countries to maximise growth opportunities, however, investments in graphite processing facilities will be essential to leverage anticipated shifts in global supply chains.
Together, these three nations are Africa’s main sources of graphite, with 69 million metric tonnes in reserves. This volume makes up a significant share of global graphite resources, specifically 21% of the total. In particular, Tanzania has reserves of 18 million metric tonnes, which equals around 5% of global graphite reserves as of 2021.
Globally, the top five countries with the largest graphite reserves are Turkey with 27%, Brazil with 22%, China at 16%, Madagascar at 8%, and Mozambique also at 8%. In terms of production, Mozambique and Madagascar stood tied as the third-largest graphite producers in 2021, contributing 142,000 metric tonnes in combined output and each accounting for 8% of the world’s reserves with a shared total of 51 million metric tonnes.
Mozambique, Madagascar, and Tanzania hold substantial reserves that position them as strategic players in the global graphite market. With increased investment in processing capabilities and strategic collaboration through AfCFTA, these countries can solidify their roles as leading graphite suppliers amid evolving supply chain demands.
Tirupati Graphite PLC (LON:TGR) is a fully integrated specialist graphite and graphene producer, with operations in Madagascar and India. The Company is delivering on this strategy by being fully integrated from mine to graphene. Its global multi-location operations include primary mining and processing in Madagascar, hi-tech graphite processing in India to produce specialty graphite, and a state-of-art graphene and technology R&D center to be established in India.
