Uses & Applications

Applications and End-Uses for Graphite

Graphite (C) is a high-criticality battery metal with a diverse range of industrial and technological applications. As global demand for advanced materials intensifies, understanding where and how Graphite is consumed provides essential context for supply chain planning, investment analysis, and policy development.

Key Applications

The primary end-uses of Graphite span multiple sectors, each contributing to its classification as a critical material. The following applications represent the most significant sources of global demand:

• Lithium-ion battery anodes — Graphite plays a vital role in lithium-ion battery anodes, where its unique physical and chemical properties provide performance advantages that are difficult to replicate with alternative materials.
• Steel and foundry applications — Graphite plays a vital role in steel and foundry applications, where its unique physical and chemical properties provide performance advantages that are difficult to replicate with alternative materials.
• Lubricants and refractories — Graphite plays a vital role in lubricants and refractories, where its unique physical and chemical properties provide performance advantages that are difficult to replicate with alternative materials.
• Fuel cells — Graphite plays a vital role in fuel cells, where its unique physical and chemical properties provide performance advantages that are difficult to replicate with alternative materials.
• Nuclear moderators — Graphite plays a vital role in nuclear moderators, where its unique physical and chemical properties provide performance advantages that are difficult to replicate with alternative materials.

Sector Breakdown

The largest consuming sector for Graphite is lithium-ion battery anodes, which accounts for a substantial share of global demand. The second most significant application is steel and foundry applications, which has shown strong growth in recent years driven by technology adoption and regulatory requirements. Emerging applications across clean energy, defense, and advanced manufacturing are expected to expand the demand profile for Graphite in the coming decade.

Demand Outlook

With a criticality level of high and a supply risk rating of high, the demand trajectory for Graphite is closely monitored by governments and industry analysts. Its inclusion on the USGS critical minerals list underscores the strategic importance of securing stable supply for domestic industries. The European Union has similarly recognized its importance through inclusion on the EU Critical Raw Materials list. Growing demand from electrification, digitalization, and defense modernization programs is expected to place additional pressure on existing supply chains.