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NGX Faces Critical Permitting and Market Risks Despite Progress

Mining By Maxwell Dee 3 min read

NGX Limited progresses its Malingunde graphite project with technical studies and stakeholder engagement, while uranium exploration permits advance in Namibia. The company stands to benefit from new US anti-dumping tariffs on Chinese graphite imports.

  • Malingunde graphite project advances with updated development and environmental plans
  • Ongoing product qualification for lithium-ion battery anode materials
  • US imposes preliminary 93.5% anti-dumping tariffs on Chinese graphite imports
  • Uranium exploration permits in Namibia near final approval
  • Strong financial position with $3.8 million cash and no debt

Malingunde Project Development Progress

NGX Limited has continued to push forward with its Malingunde natural graphite project in Malawi, focusing on refining its development pathway. The company is leveraging the unique saprolite-hosted graphite deposit, which offers advantages such as easier extraction, higher purity, and a lower environmental footprint. Technical studies during the quarter included a revised mining plan, updated processing strategies, and an enhanced Environmental & Social Impact Assessment, all aimed at supporting scalable production of Active Anode Material (AAM) for lithium-ion batteries.

Engagement with Malawi’s Presidential Delivery Unit (PDU) mining delivery lab underscores NGX’s commitment to aligning with government priorities and expediting project approvals. This collaboration brings together key stakeholders to resolve development challenges and track progress against national development goals.

Product Qualification and Market Positioning

NGX is actively advancing its product qualification program, distributing large samples of Malingunde graphite to leading anode manufacturers and battery producers. The focus remains on meeting stringent quality requirements for Coated Purified Spheronised Graphite (CPSG), a critical component in lithium-ion battery anodes. Site visits by potential partners to the Malingunde project further demonstrate growing interest and potential for strategic partnerships and offtake agreements.

Significantly, the US Commerce Department’s recent imposition of preliminary anti-dumping duties of 93.5% on Chinese anode-grade graphite imports; effectively 160% when combined with existing tariffs; creates a favorable market environment for non-Chinese producers like NGX. Given China’s dominance in global graphite supply, these tariffs may open new opportunities for NGX to capture market share in the US and beyond.

Uranium Exploration Advances in Namibia

Beyond graphite, NGX is progressing its uranium exploration projects in Namibia’s Erongo Region, a globally recognized uranium mining district. The company holds earn-in agreements for the Tubusis and Rossingburg projects. During the quarter, NGX completed activities related to the Environmental Clearance Certificate for Tubusis, now pending final approval. These developments position NGX to potentially expand its portfolio in critical minerals essential for the clean energy transition.

Financial Health and Strategic Outlook

NGX reported a solid financial position with approximately $3.8 million in cash and no debt as of 30 June 2025. The company continues to explore additional opportunities in the clean energy minerals sector to complement its existing assets. With a substantial resource base and flexible, modular project design at Malingunde, NGX is well-placed to scale operations in line with market demand and qualification progress.

Looking ahead, NGX anticipates notable permitting milestones in Namibia and ongoing refinement of its graphite project development strategy. The evolving geopolitical landscape, particularly US trade measures against Chinese graphite, could accelerate NGX’s market entry and growth prospects.

Bottom Line?

NGX’s strategic advances and favorable market shifts position it as a rising player in critical minerals for clean energy.

Questions in the middle?

  • How quickly can NGX convert Malingunde’s technical studies into a production-ready operation?
  • What impact will US anti-dumping tariffs have on NGX’s sales and partnership negotiations?
  • When will final approvals for uranium exploration permits in Namibia be secured?