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Walkabout Resources hires Tanzanian firm to help prepare Lindi Jumbo Graphite Project for production

Published: 14:59 13 Jul 2021 AEST

Walkabout Resources Ltd - Walkabout Resources hires Tanzanian firm to help prepare Lindi Jumbo Graphite Project for production
TNR’s Stellah Kimaro, Lindi Jumbo director Rachel Songo, TNR’s Terry Calavrias, Lindi Jumbo company secretary Ephraim Mrawa and TNR’s Joseph Watanda.

Walkabout Resources Ltd (ASX:WKT) has taken the next step towards production at its flagship Lindi Jumbo Graphite Project in Tanzania, appointing local contractor TNR Engineering to undertake site preparation work.

The value of the mobilisation agreement is about US$5.6 million and it aligns with Walkabout’s ‘local first’ policy and extensive due diligence process examining safety, experience and capabilities.

TNR is well known to Walkabout, having previously successfully completed an early works contract in 2019, and as part of the contract, it will complete excavation and terracing of the processing plant it started in 2019.

Local-first agenda

Walkabout CEO Andrew Cunningham said Walkabout would continue to rely on local knowledge and expertise.

“We have one of the highest grade, undeveloped natural flake graphite projects globally, and we’re excited at the imminent escalation of activity on site in Tanzania,” he said.

“Our longstanding working relationship with TNR Engineering will enable a smooth transition towards becoming a mine developer and producer.”

Mine works

In addition to completing the works started in 2019, TNR will complete and compact access roads and internal roads, ROM pad and wall, stormwater drainage, raw water pond, explosives magazine and mine workshops and offices.

It will also complete the earthworks at the tailings storage facility including topsoil loading and stockpiling, bulk excavation and roadbeds, fill for tailings storage facility embankments, and supply and install piping and HDPE lining and fencing.

TNR has also been awarded the contract to complete the civil works on-site to the value of about US$3.1 million, which includes all of the earthworks, concrete works and building in preparation of the construction and installation of the Lindi Jumbo Processing Plant and associated infrastructure.

TNR is deploying project staff, sourcing local accommodation and undertaking stakeholder engagement facilitated by the Lindi Jumbo team and it is expected the team will be mobilised on site this month.

Directors show support

Meanwhile, Walkabout directors have demonstrated their confidence in the company’s energy minerals strategy by participating in a recent entitlements issue.

On July 12 non-executive chairman Michael Elliot acquired a total of 1.43 million shares for a total value of $286,000 in a mix of direct and indirect interests, taking his total holding to 15.83 million shares with 2.2 million of these held in a direct interest.

Executive director and CEO Andrew Cunningham acquired a total of 91,908 shares valued at $18,382 in direct and indirect interests.

He now holds a total of 659,873 shares in two indirect interests and 772,223 shares in a direct interest.

Director Allan Mulligan acquired 200,000 shares valued at $40,000 in a direct interest, taking his holding in that interest to almost 3.969 million while a further 1,705,801 shares are held in an indirect interest.

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