Graphite is a soft black to steel-gray colored mineral formed naturally through the metamorphism of carbon-rich rock that leads to the formation of either crystalline flake graphite, fine grained amorphous graphite, or crystalline vein or lump graphite. It most commonly occurs in metamorphic rocks such as crystalline limestones, schists and gneisses.
Graphite has many industrial uses in lubricants, carbon brushes for electric motors, fire retardants, and steel making, to name a few. It’s usage in lithium ion batteries industry has been growing at over 20% per year due to the proliferation of cell phones, cameras, lap tops, power tools and other hand held devices. While the automotive industry has traditionally utilized graphite for brake linings, gaskets and clutch materials, of growing importance is its use in electric vehicle (EV) batteries.
Graphite is the anode material in the battery and there are no substitutes. More recently, the growth in hybrid and all-electric vehicles as well as grid storage have contributed to continued strong demand growth.
Tirupati Graphite PLC (LON:TGR) is a fully integrated specialist graphite and graphene producer, with operations in Madagascar and India, with a vision of developing a world-leading benchmark flake graphite company.
