Natural & Synthetic Graphite: Global industry markets & outlook, 8th edition 2012
World production of natural graphite is increasing in 2012 as Chinese amorphous mines come back on-line following government closures and consolidation since late 2010. Expected growth in both traditional and emerging markets is inspiring a number of new exploration and development projects, particularly for flake graphite, in countries such as Canada, Australia, Brazil, Sweden and parts of Africa.
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China is by far the world’s largest producer of natural graphite, accounting for around 70% of global production and 60% of exports. It is also the largest consumer and is expected to continue to tighten its grip on domestic production and exports in order to conserve resources and increase downstream processing. synthetic graphite output is heavily concentrated in the USA, Europe and Japan, and involves a smaller number of specialised producers. high production costs and processing knowledge are significant barriers to entry.
The steel industry will remain the largest driver of graphite consumption going forward; natural graphite is used in refractory furnace linings and as a carbon raiser, while synthetic graphite is used to manufacture graphite electrodes for electric arc furnaces. global production of crude steel is expected to grow by an average of 4%py to 2016, by which time Chinese output is forecast to account for 48% of the world total. In 2012, around 29% of crude steel will be produced in electric arc furnaces.
The emerging markets of Li-ion battery anodes and flexible graphite products are also expected to drive long term demand for graphite. Li-ion batteries are one of the key areas of competition between natural and synthetic graphite, and the rising price of high-purity natural grades has resulted in increasing substitution with synthetic graphite. numerous academic and commercial bodies are researching the manufacture and use of graphene; but its potential for commercialisation is not yet quantifiable.
Chinese production of natural graphite compared to Chinese and global production of crude steel
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