Core Insights - Titan Mining has initiated ore feeding at its Kilbourne graphite demonstration facility, marking a significant step towards the production of graphite concentrate and restoring domestic output for the first time in over 70 years [1][3] Group 1: Facility and Production Capacity - The Kilbourne facility is a fully permitted demonstration plant with a capacity of approximately 1,200 tonnes per annum (tpa) of concentrate [2] - The project aims to achieve a target output of 40,000 tpa of graphite concentrate, potentially supplying nearly half of the current US natural graphite demand as market needs grow [4] Group 2: Strategic Importance - The Kilbourne project is crucial for US critical minerals independence, providing a secure domestic supply of battery-grade natural flake graphite, essential for energy storage and defense industries [3] - This US-based production is intended to alleviate supply chain risks arising from global restrictions on graphite exports [4] Group 3: Financial Backing and Support - The project has received additional support from the Export-Import Bank of the US (EXIM), which has approved $5.5 million in non-dilutive funding to expedite feasibility work and issued a non-binding letter of interest for up to $120 million in project financing [5]