Can biomaterials help address graphite supply gaps and support a green transition?
The challenges facing critical minerals supply chains – including graphite – have been on the radar of governments, policymakers and businesses across the globe for years, and yet we are still hurtling towards a supply crisis.
One such critical mineral is graphite, which makes up 95% of the anode material in lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries – almost half the total volume. Despite its essential role in the transition, the recent IEA Critical Mineral Outlook Report 2024 cited graphite as the critical mineral with the highest supply risk score when it comes to geopolitical exposure.
If we are to ensure a secure supply of this mineral as economies transition, we must address three key challenges:
- Meeting demand, with a graphite supply deficit of 777,000 tonnes (t) per year expected by 2030, according to International Energy Agency (IEA).
- Reducing dependence on Chinese graphite supplies, which account for 93% of graphite anode production, according to Benchmark Mineral Intelligence.
- Combatting graphite’s low environmental, social and governance (ESG) score, which makes reliance on the mineral in its current form a challenge when it comes to a truly green transition.
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