Nipepe, Mozambique, Jan. 30, 2026 (Lusa) - The Mozambican head of state said on Friday that the new graphite processing plant is an opportunity for Mozambique to consolidate its position in the global market as a supplier of processed minerals, where there is high demand for "high-purity graphite".
"This factory is a concrete opportunity for Mozambique to consolidate its position in the global supply of processed mineral products within our country, breaking with the historical model of simply exporting raw materials," said Daniel Chapo, at the inauguration of the country's first graphite production and processing factory.
Built in the region of Nipepe, about 400 kilometres from the city of Lichinga, capital of Niassa province in northern Mozambique, the factory occupies an area of 2,469 hectares financed by Chinese capital, valued at around US$200 million (€165.7 million), with an annual production and processing capacity of 200,000 tonnes of graphite.
This infrastructure currently employs 1,090 workers and is expected to reach more than 2,000 employees when it reaches its maximum production capacity, according to information from the company.
For the Mozambican president, the inauguration of the factory is a clear indicator of the pursuit of economic sovereignty, with a focus on transforming potential into wealth for the local community.
"Today, the province of Niassa, the region of Nipepe and Mozambique are entering the world's industrial map. More than just inaugurating a production unit, we are celebrating here the vision of a country that is no longer just a supplier of raw materials to foreign countries, but is now asserting itself as a producer, processor and exporter of value-added raw materials," said Chapo.
For the head of state, the implementation of this industrial unit aims to facilitate the processing of local ore to obtain "pure, international-quality graphite" that meets international requirements based on production efficiency, economic responsibility and economic and social impact, calling for local support for the factory.
"By investing in local processing, Mozambique is strategically positioning itself in the global context of growing demand for high-purity graphite, which is essential in sectors that will be in high demand in the future, such as battery energy storage, electric and electronic mobility, and other advanced technological applications worldwide," he said.
The Mozambican president also argued that the exploitation and transformation of resources must respect local communities, including their customs and cultures, preserving human dignity and ensuring a fair and dignified sharing of the benefits of exploitation, towards the sustainable development of communities, praising the construction of 125 improved houses for resettlement, as well as a local market, health centre and police station.
"Mozambique wants responsible, transparent investment that is committed to protecting life, nature, workers and the dignity of local communities," Chapo said, promising sweeping reforms in the energy and mineral resources sector.
In the same statements, he expressed concern about irregularities in mining activity in Niassa province, promising efforts similar to those applied in Manica, in the centre of the country, with the suspension of activities.
"We are tightening up mining licensing, keeping the mining register closed to ensure compliance with technical and fiscal obligations and eliminating unproductive areas that harm the national interest. We are concerned about the province of Niassa, more specifically in the Lupilichi area, where we have gold deposits and the same disorganisation is evident," he warned, calling for a more organised and transparent mining sector.
PME/AYLS // AYLS
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