Amid a Battery Boom, Graphite Mining Gets a Fresh Look in the US

ZAVALLIA, UKRAINE – FEBRUARY 28: View of the Zavalivskyi graphite quarry on February 28, 2025 in Zavallia, Kirovohrad Oblast, Ukraine. Zavalivskyi Graphite Plant is a Ukrainian enterprise specializing in the extraction of graphite ore and its processing for industrial needs. Currently, graphite, garnet, and granite are being extracted from the quarry. According to estimates, graphite reserves amount to 7,420,000 tons, garnet reserves to 3,000,000 tons, which will be sufficient for 15 years of mining. After that, the quarry area may be expanded. As of now, the quarry depth is about 120 meters. The plant produces around 10 types of graphite for various applications, including powder metallurgy, brake pads, usage in polymer materials such as composite plates for bulletproof vests, and lithium-ion batteries for phones, electric vehicles, and more. The plant’s facilities can process up to 100-150 tons of graphite per day. (Photo by Arsen Dzodzaiev/Global Images Ukraine via Getty Images)

GOUVERNEUR, N.Y. (AP) — Graphite mines in the United States are seeing renewed interest after being largely closed for decades. Graphite is crucial for lithium-ion batteries and demand is surging amid trade tensions with China. Several companies, including Titan Mining Corp. in New York, have plans to mine graphite. Titan aims for commercial sales by 2028, believing geopolitical factors favor their efforts. The U.S. government has fast-tracked permits and offered financial support to boost domestic graphite production. Titan expects to produce about 40,000 metric tons of graphite concentrate annually.