Graphite is fueling the Green Energy Revolution
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What is Graphite?
In every flake of graphite we produce lies the power to drive the green energy revolution. From powering electric vehicles to innovating energy storage, we are not just mining graphite; we are creating a sustainable future.
Graphite is one of only two naturally occurring forms of pure carbon, the other being diamonds. Graphite occurs in a two dimensional, planar molecular structure whereas diamonds have a three dimensional crystal structure. Graphite generally occurs as flakes, which are multiple layers of graphene held together by weak bonds. Graphene is a single, one atom thick layer of carbon atoms arranged in a “honeycomb” or “chicken wire” pattern. It has been estimated that there are three million layers of graphene in a one millimeter thickness of graphite. The delamination or exfoliation of graphite flakes is therefore one method of making graphene.
Graphite is formed naturally through the metamorphism of carbon rich materials in rock which leads to the formation of either crystalline flake graphite, fine grained amorphous graphite, or crystalline vein or lump graphite. Graphite is a non-metal but has many properties of metals. It is an excellent conductor of heat and electricity and has the highest natural strength and stiffness of any material. It maintains its strength and stability to temperatures in excess of 3,600°C and is very resistant to chemical attack. At the same time it is one of the lightest of all reinforcing agents and has high natural lubricity.
The New Strategic Mineral
Widespread Electrification
There is growing demand for graphite for clean and green tech applications, fuel cells etc.
Driving the EV Revolution
- Graphite, one of only two naturally occurring forms of carbon, is the anode material in Lithium-Ion batteries, and there are NO substitutes
- Facing rising supply concerns, graphite has been declared a critical mineral by the U.S., Canada and the EU
- Graphite demand is set to almost double from 2025 to 2035, according to the International Energy Agency, mainly driven by strong growth in demand for EV and storage batteries
Industrial Applications
Traditional demand for graphite – in the steel industry, the automotive sector and heat management in industrial applications – is strongly correlated with GDP growth
EVs will Boost Graphite Demand
(Production demand for graphite, ‘000 tones)
Sources: International Energy Agency, EIU
Global graphite demand is forecast to nearly double by 2035
- Demand is expected to double from 2025 to 2035 under the IEA’s Stated Policies Scenario.
EV batteries will remain the principal engine of growth
- The global EV fleet could grow more than sixfold by 2035, substantially increasing demand for battery-grade graphite.
Energy storage is emerging as a second major battery market
- Rapid deployment of stationary storage is expected to become an increasingly important source of graphite demand alongside EVs.
Traditional industrial markets will continue to expand
- Demand from refractories, foundries, recarburising and other industrial applications is forecast to increase by approximately 30% between 2025 and 2035, providing a significant demand base beyond batteries.
Increased risk of disruption to graphite supply chains due to a high-tech trade war between the U.S. and its allies, and China
- If battery-grade graphite trade were fully disrupted, according to the IEA, over USD 300 billion per year of downstream production outside China would be at risk.
Government Support
EV Purchase Incentives Driving Demand
Landmark Initiatives to Drive North America EV Industry
- Graphite designated a Critical Mineral by Canadian and U.S. governments
- Subsidies/credits rollout under U.S./Canada energy transition policies
- Under the U.S. Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and Foreign Entities of Concern (FEOC) measures, EV’s are eligible for tax credits of $7,500, as long as they are built using minimum components and minerals sourced in the United States or its trading partners, starting at 40 percent in 2023, rising to 80 percent by 2027 and 100 percent after 2030.
