Balama readies for restart

22nd February 2021 By: Esmarie Iannucci - Creamer Media Senior Deputy Editor: Australasia

PERTH (miningweekly.com) – A decision has been taken to restart production at the Balama graphite project, in Mozambique.

ASX-listed Syrah Resources in March last year temporarily suspended production at Balama as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, with the project impacted by travel restrictions and weak end-user demand.

Syrah in July of last year announced a labour restructure at the project, as well as other actions in an effort to preserve cash during the period, while retaining operating and marketing capability to restart production.

The miner on Monday said that market conditions were now deemed supportive to restart production, with the company progressing the recruitment of labour required to restart operations.

First production at Balama is expected within the next two to three months.