Graphite Mining Stocks Are Flying Amid China Tensions, Battery Boom

Core Insights - The discovery of graphene in 2010 led to significant investor excitement and high valuations for graphene companies, but commercial adoption has been slower than expected, resulting in market corrections [1][2]. Industry Overview - Graphene is a one-atom-thick layer of graphite known for its strength, superconductivity, and cost-effectiveness, contrasting with traditional graphite used in pencils [3]. - The ongoing energy transition and geopolitical tensions, particularly between the U.S. and China, have shifted market interest towards graphite, which is essential for electric vehicle (EV) batteries [3][5]. Company Developments - Titan Mining Corp. has seen its shares surge approximately 870% year-to-date, driven by investor interest in U.S.-linked graphite amid trade tensions with China. The company plans to start natural graphite production at its Empire State Mines, although commercial production remains unproven [4][6]. - Other companies in the graphite sector have also experienced significant stock gains, including Northern Graphite Corporation (up 61.0% YTD), Syrah Resources Ltd. (up 98.1%), Nouveau Monde Graphite (up 57.2%), and POSCO Holdings Inc. (up 25.3%) [6].