Highlights

• Battery-grade graphite demand is projected to quadruple by 2030, signaling its crucial role in carbon neutrality.
• The supply chain is heavily concentrated in low-cost regions, creating significant geopolitical risks.
• Research by KIGAM experts offers strategic recommendations for stabilizing and diversifying graphite production.

​The study "Overview of Graphite Supply Chain and Its Challenges," authored by Junhyeok Park and published recently, provides a comprehensive analysis of the graphite supply chain, emphasizing its critical role in the global transition toward carbon neutrality and clean energy. The research highlights that demand for battery-grade graphite is projected to quadruple by 2030 compared to 2023 levels, with overall demand expected to double during the same period. This surge underscores graphite's significance, particularly as a key component in battery anodes. ​

The paper identifies significant challenges within the graphite supply chain. Graphite is classified as a high-risk mineral due to its heavily concentrated supply chain, which poses notable geopolitical risks. Note that this is a critical mineral and not a rare earth element.

The centralization of production in low-cost regions has intensified supply chain vulnerabilities, increasing dependence on specific countries. To address these issues, the study offers strategic insights to stabilize and diversify the graphite supply chain. ​

Junhyeok Park is a Senior Researcher at the Korea Institute of Geoscience and Mineral Resources (opens in a new tab) (KIGAM). His expertise includes research on smart mining applications, constructing digital twins of mine operations, and providing technical support for local mining industries. ​