As the demand for mined graphite in electric vehicle (EV) batteries surpasses other applications, automakers are actively seeking graphite supply outside of China, the dominant producer. Here are the details of Western companies involved in graphite production, or planning to venture into it, along with their partnerships with auto manufacturers and battery producers.
NEXTSOURCE MATERIALS INC:
NextSource Materials recently launched its Molo mine in Madagascar, projected to yield 17,000 metric tons of graphite annually. The company plans to commence battery anode production in Mauritius in 2024, targeting an output of 3,600 metric tons. It has secured 10-year sales agreements with steelmaker Thyssenkrupp and a Japanese graphite sales trading company. Offtake discussions with automakers are currently underway.
TALGA GROUP LTD:
Talga Group is in the final stages of obtaining permits for its Vittangi mine and Lulea refinery in Sweden, with production scheduled to commence in 2024. The initial annual output is expected to reach 19,500 metric tons of active anode material. The company has non-binding offtake agreements with two battery manufacturers: Automotive Cells Company (ACC), jointly owned by Stellantis, Mercedes-Benz, and Saft, as well as Verkor, partially owned by Renault. Talga is actively engaging in discussions with other automakers and battery firms.
SYRAH RESOURCES LTD:
Syrah Resources operates the Balama mine in Mozambique, which witnessed a doubling of graphite production to 163,000 metric tons in 2022 compared to the previous year. The company is constructing the Vidalia processing facility in Louisiana, USA, with an initial target output of 11,250 metric tons of active anode material. Syrah Resources has signed a four-year agreement to supply anode materials to Tesla, including an option for additional purchases. Additionally, it has non-binding agreements with LG Energy Solution, Ford Motor Company, and SK On.
MAGNIS ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES LTD:
Magnis Energy Technologies is developing the Nachu graphite mine in Tanzania, aiming for a production capacity of 236,000 metric tons of graphite concentrate. The company plans to establish an anode plant in the United States, in addition to operating a battery factory in New York. Magnis has secured an offtake deal with Tesla, supplying 17,500 metric tons of active anode material over a three-year period starting in February 2025, with an option to increase the volume.
RENASCOR RESOURCES LTD:
Renascor Resources is involved in the development of the Siviour mine and anode plant in South Australia, with an initial capacity of 28,000 metric tons. Production is slated to commence in 2025. The company has non-binding agreements to supply processed graphite to Posco (South Korea), Minguang and Zeto (China), and Hanwa (Japan).
NOUVEAU MONDE GRAPHITE INC:
Nouveau Monde Graphite is progressing with operations in Canada, encompassing the Matawinie mine for graphite concentrate production (103,000 metric tons) and the Becancour battery material plant for anode material production (43,000 metric tons). The company holds a non-binding offtake agreement with Panasonic Energy.
TIRUPATI GRAPHITE PLC:
Tirupati Graphite commenced commercial shipments from its mining operations in Madagascar in March 2023, with plans to expand annual capacity to 84,000 metric tons of graphite by the end of 2024. The company also completed the acquisition of graphite mine projects in Mozambique and intends to construct a processing plant in India.
WESTWATER RESOURCES INC:
Westwater Resources is establishing a graphite processing plant in Alabama, USA, scheduled to commence production in 2024. The initial output will be 7,500 tonnes of anode material, projected to rise to 40,500 tonnes in the second phase. The company has a development agreement with battery producer SK On for potential anode material supply. Furthermore, Westwater Resources is developing the Coosa mining project, located in an area of Alabama known for graphite production from the late 1800s to the 1950s.
