US Graphite Mines Reopen Amid China Trade Tensions

Graphite mining, largely dormant in the U.S. for seven decades, is experiencing a revival. Driven by the escalating demand for lithium-ion batteries powering electric vehicles and electronics, coupled with persistent trade tensions with China, several companies are pursuing domestic extraction. Titan Mining Corp. has begun limited operations at its New York deposit, with commercial sales anticipated by 2028, aiming to supply high-tech, industrial, and military needs.

The U.S. Department of Energy and the Department of the Interior have identified graphite as a critical mineral, underscoring the strategic importance of a secure domestic supply chain. Federal initiatives, including tax credits within the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act and efforts to diversify supply sources, are actively supporting this resurgence. The government's fast-tracked permitting for the New York mine highlights its commitment to building a robust domestic supply.

Several other projects are underway, including those in Alabama, Montana, and Alaska, with significant deposits identified. The push to revive domestic graphite production is seen as essential to reducing reliance on foreign suppliers, particularly China, which currently dominates the global market. Companies like Graphite One Inc. are positioning themselves to leverage these large domestic deposits.