WALKABOUT RESOURCES LTD (ASX:WKT)

Perth-based African-focussed energy minerals developer Walkabout Resources (ASX:WKT) is fast-tracking the development of the high-grade Lindi Jumbo Graphite Project in SE Tanzania to take advantage of forecast market conditions for Flake Graphite deposits with high ratios of Large and Jumbo flakes. In addition to the Lindi Jumbo Project, Walkabout is also exploring in southern Namibia at the Eureka Lithium Project. The Company has also acquired an exciting exploration portfolio for base metals and gold in Northern Ireland and is participating in the Slieve Gallion Joint Venture where cobalt, copper and silver occurrences are being explored. ASX-listed WKT intends to fast track the development of its high grade, jumbo flake Lindi Jumbo graphite project close to good infrastructure including the deep-water Port of Mtwara. WKT aims to to take advantage of forecast positive market conditions for Flake Graphite deposits with high ratios of Large and Jumbo flakes. The Company has developed a proprietary processing technique which yields exceptionally high ratios of Large, Jumbo and Super Jumbo flakes into concentrate. This premium product will allow higher than average revenues to be achieved. The Company currently holds 100% of the Lindi Jumbo licence. The project is being advanced under a three-pillar market risk mitigation strategy; 1. It will deliver a high graded feed to the mill (circa 16% TGC) to reduce capital and operating costs, 2. It will produce a premium product with up to 25% of concentrate in the +500 micron (Super Jumbo) category at 95% to 97% TGC to attract higher revenues, and 3. It is designed at a modest scale to reduce capital and start-up risk while expansion opportunities can be progressed from a successful production base. The DFS envisages an elective annual production target of between 25,000 and 40,000 tonnes graphite in concentrate; operating costs per tonne in concentrate estimated at US$290 to US$350 – the second-lowest amongst peer group and lowest in Tanzania; and pre-production capex of approximately US$35m to US$40m with payback of less than 2 years – the lowest capex amongst its peer group. At Takatokwane thermal coal, the asset is the largest in Botswana with an Inferred Resource of 6.88 Bt.