"Graphite mines in the United States largely closed down seven decades ago. Mining the ubiquitous mineral found in everything from nuclear reactors to pencils seemed to make little sense when it could be imported inexpensively from other nations, especially China. That view is changing now. Demand for graphite, a key material in the lithium-ion batteries that power everything from phones to electric cars, is surging as trade tensions with China persist."
"In New York, Titan Mining Corp. has mined a limited amount of ore from a deposit in snowy woods about 25 miles (40 kilometers) from the Canadian border, aiming for commercial sales by 2028. Company officials believe the geopolitical winds are at their backs to sell graphite concentrate for high-tech, industrial and military uses. That could include heat-resistant coatings in factories, anodes in large lithium-ion batteries connected to electrical grids and lubricants for military vehicles, according to the company."
Graphite mining in the United States largely ceased seven decades ago because inexpensive imports, especially from China, undercut domestic production. Demand for graphite is surging as a key material for lithium-ion batteries that power phones, electric vehicles and grid storage, and trade tensions with China have raised concerns about supply security. Federal officials are attentive to steady supplies of several critical minerals. Titan Mining Corp. has begun limited ore extraction in northern New York and plans commercial sales by 2028. Potential applications include heat-resistant coatings, battery anodes for large energy storage, industrial uses and military lubricants.
Read at Fortune
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