Ann: Funding Secured to Advance Graphite Commercialisation, page-16

For companies that rely heavily on graphite – like battery makers, steel producers or chemical manufacturers – being able to produce graphite in-house can be a major advantage.First up, it helps reduce reliance on supply chains and price volatility. Most natural graphite comes from China, and any export restrictions or disruptions over there can cause big issues. If a company can make its own, it’s far less exposed to those risks.It also allows for better cost control. High-grade graphite is expensive, especially when purchased in large volumes. Producing it internally – particularly as a by-product, like in Hazer’s case – can save money over time and offer more flexibility.Another key point is quality control. Applications like batteries and semiconductors need very pure graphite. When a company runs its own process, it can dial in the quality exactly as required – which isn’t always possible with external suppliers.And then there’s sustainability. In-house production using clean technology can significantly lower carbon emissions and support ESG targets, which are becoming more and more important across industries.