Graphite deposits identified

Mozambique’s mineral riches continue to multiply, with Australian company Triton Minerals having announced the discovery of “significant concentrations” of graphite during drilling at its Balama North project, in the northern Mozambican province of Cabo Delgado. Graphite is a key ingredient in the manufacture of lithium ion and other batteries used in electric vehicles, and other applications such as cellphones. At present China dominates the supply, and the discovery of exploitable reserves in Mozambique will reduce the world’s dependence on the element. The Triton licence area is near the high-grade graphite deposits identified by a second Australian company, Syrah Resources.