Amid global battery boom, graphite mining gets a fresh look in the US (EXPERTS ALSO EXPECT WORLDWIDE GRAPHITE DEMAND TO SOAR IN THE NEXT DECADE), Pg14

Key Highlights:

• Graphite mining in the US, largely dormant for 70 years, is being re-evaluated due to increasing demand and trade concerns with China.
• Titan Mining Corp. aims for commercial graphite sales by 2028 from its New York deposit.
• Global graphite demand is expected to surge in the next decade due to the growing lithium-ion battery market.
• The US government has recognized graphite as a critical mineral, essential for both commercial and military applications.

Detailed Insights:

• Increased demand for graphite is driven by its use in lithium-ion batteries, heat-resistant coatings, and lubricants.
• Trade tensions and export controls imposed by China have heightened concerns about the reliability of the graphite supply chain.
• The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 includes a tax credit for critical mineral production, incentivizing domestic graphite mining.
• The US government is also pursuing critical mineral deals with other countries to diversify its supply sources.
• Graphite can be sourced naturally through mining or synthetically produced, with lithium-ion batteries utilizing a mix of both.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Lithium-ion Batteries: Rechargeable batteries commonly used in electronics and electric vehicles.
• Critical Minerals: Minerals essential to the economy and national security, vulnerable to supply chain disruptions.
• Inflation Reduction Act: US law that includes provisions for clean energy and domestic manufacturing incentives.