Spherical graphite was again the talk of the industry last month as it emerged that a number of graphite developers and leading producers have lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries firmly on their radar.
The graphite world has been watching the explosion of interest lithium industry and Li-ion battery demand forecasts in preparation for what could be just as a fruitful time for miners of graphite.
“Li-ion, specifically, continues to be the Holy Grail of graphite,” said Andrew Rill, vice president of materials management at USA based processor, Superior Graphite.
There is a growing belief that there will not be enough natural graphite to satify any demand boom in Li-ion batteries that is set to come from an increased amount of hybrid and electric vehicles on the world’s roads. And with each car battery consuming between 3-7kg of spherical graphite,...