Mining & Processing

How Graphite Is Mined and Processed

Graphite (C) is a battery metal with global annual production of approximately 1.6 million tonnes, primarily from China and Mozambique. Typical ore grades range from 3-15% C (flake graphite).

Mining Methods

Graphite is extracted through the following methods, selected based on deposit type and geology:

• Open-pit mining
• Underground mining

Ore Types and Mineralogy

The principal ore types and mineral sources for Graphite include:

• Flake graphite - crystalline
• Amorphous graphite
• Vein - lump graphite

Processing and Beneficiation

Following extraction, Graphite ore undergoes the following processing stages:

1. Flotation concentration
2. Purification (thermal or chemical)
3. Spheronization and coating for battery anode

Major Mines and Production Centers

The following are key Graphite mining and processing operations worldwide:

Environmental and Regulatory Considerations

Mining and processing of Graphite must comply with environmental regulations governing water use, tailings management, emissions, and land rehabilitation. Increasingly stringent environmental standards are raising production costs but also driving innovation in cleaner extraction technologies. The social license to operate and community engagement have become critical factors in project development, particularly in China where 77% of global production is concentrated.