‘You can’t see China now as a reliable supply-chain partner’: Graphite mines forsaken for 70 years come back into fashion

Core Viewpoint - The demand for graphite is increasing significantly due to its essential role in lithium-ion batteries and concerns over supply chain reliability, particularly in light of trade tensions with China [2][4]. Industry Overview - Graphite mining in the U.S. has largely ceased since the 1950s, but there is a renewed interest in domestic production as geopolitical factors shift [1][11]. - The U.S. Department of Energy has classified graphite as a critical mineral, highlighting its importance for various commercial and military applications [6]. Company Developments - Titan Mining Corp. is actively mining graphite in northern New York, with plans for commercial sales by 2028, aiming to meet a significant portion of U.S. graphite needs [3][15]. - Titan's New York deposit is expected to produce approximately 40,000 metric tonnes (44,092 tons) of graphite concentrate annually, which could fulfill about half of the current U.S. demand for natural graphite [15]. Market Dynamics - The global demand for graphite is projected to continue rising over the next decade, driven by the battery industry, which utilizes both natural and synthetic graphite [7]. - U.S. policymakers have expressed concerns over reliance on China for graphite supply, especially after recent export controls were implemented by China [8][9]. Regulatory and Financial Support - The U.S. government has initiated measures to bolster domestic graphite production, including tax credits and fast-tracked permitting for critical mineral projects [9][14]. - The Export-Import Bank has indicated potential financial support for graphite mining projects, including a loan of up to $120 million for construction [14].