Australian minerals producer Syrah Resources has resumed graphite production at its 350,000 t/yr Balama mine in Mozambique and will restart large-volume shipments in September-December, following months of disruptions owing to protests.
Syrah declared a force majeure on sales from Balama in December because of protests at the site, and this remains active, the company said today. But it has restarted production and intends to ramp up output at the mine to restock inventories for shipments in September-December, Syrah said.
Its graphite exports in September-December will be shipped to customers outside China. The company is aiming to have a greater presence in ex-China markets and to increase sales from Balama this year, Syrah chairman Jim Askew told investors on 23 May.
Syrah sold around 1,300t of natural graphite in January-March, using existing inventories. But the company failed to meet some sales obligations over the quarter.
Non-violent protesters blocked access to Balama in September, citing farming resettlement grievances. The demonstrations worsened in October, after Mozambique's disputed general election triggered major protests across the country.
Most protesters left the mine in April, after reaching a deal with Syrah, the company said last month —although some remaining demonstrators had to be removed by Mozambique authorities a month later. Syrah regained access to Balama on 3-4 May.
Balama's operating infrastructure has not been impacted by the protests and is in good condition, Askew said in late May.
