Doubt was raised last month over the ability of the world’s graphite industry to meet increase demand from the emerging lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery market, particularly in automobiles.
While much of the focus, led by this publication through its Lithium Supply & Markets conference, has been on lithium, there are fears that the graphite industry is being neglected and that supplies will not be able to meet projected medium term demand.
“We are woefully short [on lithium-ion battery grade graphite] in North America and Europe,” leading graphite consultant George Hawley told to IM.
Nacional de Grafite in Brazil is presently looking into production of...