India Sees Surge in Graphite Production by Companies

In India, 700 kg of expandable graphite began to be marketed thanks to the alliance between the Australian graphite producer Evion and the Indian firm Metachem Manufacturing. Additionally, despite initial delays in its schedule last year, a notable increase in production is anticipated shortly.

Expansion of capacity in graphite production

The installation capacity for expandable graphite is projected to reach a minimum of 1,800 tons per year in the coming months, as reported by Evion in its most recent activity report. Initially, expectations were to establish a capacity of between 2,000 and 2,500 tonnes per year within the first three years , with intentions to double this capacity in the second year.

Historically, in 2021, Evion, previously known as BlackEarth Minerals, established an agreement with the Austrian Grafitbergbau Kaiserberg for the purchase of up to 2,500 tons per year of expandable graphite. The initial supply of graphite concentrate for the plant is expected to come from external sources during the first two years of operation , followed by the integration of material from its Maniry project in Madagascar.

Furthermore, the development of the Maniry project in Madagascar is currently under environmental and social assessment by Madagascar’s national Environment office, which is crucial for its progress, Evion reported.

The role of graphite in India’s energy transition

At the national level, in July 2023, the Indian government included graphite among the 30 critical minerals needed for its transition to green energy and energy self-sufficiency . In March, the state-owned company MSTC began the second round of auctions for mineral development strategic, including 18 graphite blocks.

The growing demand for clean and sustainable technologies has put minerals such as graphite, used in batteries and electronic devices, in the spotlight. This increase in global demand reflects the importance of expanding and diversifying graphite sources to ensure long-term supply and reduce dependence on imports, particularly in countries committed to the energy transition.

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Source: argusmedia.com

Photo: Shutterstock