Northern Graphite begins Namibia plant relocation

Northern Graphite has started moving processing equipment to its Okanjande mine in Namibia, marking a major step toward restarting production by late 2027.

The Canadian firm has hired local contractor Rotary Engineering Services to dismantle infrastructure at the former Okorusu site and transport it to the mine. The relocation is expected to be finished by June 2026. By moving the plant directly to the mine site, the company aims to slash transport costs and reduce carbon emissions.

A 'mine-to-battery' strategy

The Okanjande site is a pillar of the company’s plan to become a global supplier for the electric vehicle market. The graphite mined in Namibia will serve as raw material for a planned N$3bn Battery Anode Material (BAM) facility in France, as well as a joint-venture plant in Yanbu, Saudi Arabia, scheduled to open in 2028.

"This is a tangible step forward," said Northern Graphite CEO Hugues Jacquemin. "It puts us on a clear path toward supporting our broader mine-to-battery strategy."

Regional advantages

The mine, located near Otjiwarongo, is currently on care and maintenance. However, a 2023 economic assessment confirmed that relocating the processing plant was more viable than rehabilitating the old mill.

The company believes the project benefits from being in one of Africa's most politically stable nations, offering easy access to deep-water ports for international shipping. Future operations may also include solar power and water-saving "dry tailings" technology to improve the mine's environmental profile.

Beyond car batteries, the graphite will be used in traditional industries such as steelmaking, electronics, and automotive friction products. Northern Graphite remains the only producer of natural flake graphite in North America, with additional projects in Quebec and Ontario.