Core Viewpoint - The demand for graphite, a critical material for lithium-ion batteries, is surging due to ongoing trade tensions with China, prompting U.S. companies to explore domestic mining opportunities [2][12]. Industry Overview - Graphite is recognized as a critical mineral by the Department of Energy and is essential for various commercial and military applications, including battery production and heat-resistant coatings [6][10]. - Global graphite demand is expected to continue rising over the next decade, driven by the battery boom, which includes both natural and synthetic graphite [7]. Company Developments - Titan Mining Corp. is actively mining graphite from a deposit in northern New York, with plans for commercial sales by 2028, aiming to supply a significant portion of U.S. needs [2][12]. - The New York deposit has been approved for fast-tracked permitting by the federal government, which aims to establish a domestic supply chain for graphite [11][14]. - Titan expects to produce approximately 40,000 metric tonnes (44,092 tons) of graphite concentrate annually, which is about half of the current U.S. demand for natural graphite [12][14]. Geopolitical Context - U.S. policymakers have expressed concerns over reliance on China for graphite supply, especially after China imposed and then relaxed export controls on graphite [8][9]. - The Trump administration has taken steps to diversify critical mineral supplies through international agreements and government funding [9][10].
Amid a battery boom, graphite mining gets a fresh look in the US
The Economic Times·2025-12-26 06:00