Mining
Graphite anode
Spherical graphite, synthetic vs natural routes, and China processing dominance.
⚠ Spherical graphite processing in China
Key chokepoints
- Natural flake miningMining
African logistics and export bans move flake premiums.
- Spherical graphite processingProcessing
China hosts most spheronization; export controls are a tail risk.
- HF acid purificationChemicals
Environmental permits limit Western capacity.