China, the world’s leading graphite producer and exporter, has introduced export permits for specific graphite products, citing national security concerns. This unexpected move reflects China’s ongoing efforts to secure control over critical mineral supplies in the face of mounting challenges to its global manufacturing dominance.
Graphite is a key raw material used in virtually all electric vehicle (EV) battery anodes, making China’s move significant. The country not only produces over 90%
of the world’s graphite but also refines it into the essential material for EV batteries.
“This bold and unexpected move by China in graphite has taken us by surprise, arriving far sooner than anyone could have predicted,” said Kien Huynh, Chief Commercial Officer at Alkemy Capital Investments, which focuses on projects in the energy transition metals sector.
Alkemy Capital Investments plc (LON:ALK) is focussed on developing projects in the energy transition metals sector. Tees Valley Lithium is developing a state of the art lithium hydroxide plant at Teesside, UK. Tees Valley Graphite is developing the UK’s first natural graphite active anode material processing facility at the ‘plug-and-play’ Wilton International Chemicals Park.