Historical graphite market growth related to diverse industrial demand of 3-5% annum; new markets growing 7-10% annum. New Demand Driver Graphite is a significant component of many types of battery, particularly Li-ion. Battery grade graphite is currently made by shaping and treating large flake graphite. Commonly there is 10 times more graphite than lithium in a Li-ion battery anode. Rapid growth; global graphite-rich anode materials market US$500M (2012), up from US$375M (2011)*. Electric vehicles currently use 10kg to 90+kg of graphite per vehicle in batteries alone. Increased mobility of energy, storage devices, graphene and other new technologies offer a carbon age that is expected to impact positively on future demand for natural graphite. Graphite Price Trending Above Historic Levels After record prices in 2011-12 prices for all graphite types declined but stabilised far above long term historical levels. Price forecast by Industrial Minerals for large flake graphite shows expected upward trends intact.
