The spot market concept is interesting. The complexities are enormous and I'll play Thomas on that one. That is, I'll believe it when I see it. Graphite is so user specific that I doubt it will fit into a spot market model.
Anyway, there is also the capturing of the synthetic graphite market to consider. Producing synthetic graphite is so expensive, time consuming and energy intensive that it looks ripe for picking off. Currently synthetic graphite holds a 60% share of the total graphite market. It is also in the high value end of the market.
Then there is the potential for moving into the carbon market. Tyle talks about this potential as well. Obviously only suited to the 'superpit' model based on small margin high volume sales methodology.
Plus, there are some exciting new technologies emerging that will help the growth of the natural graphite sector. I don't put too much emphasis on graphene yet, but there is huge potential for graphene oxide in polymer composite inks for the 3D printing area. The 3D printing technology is going to be huge.............. HUGE! Here is an article on the ABC website today.
3D printing to be disruptive
All in all it seems to be a series of strong indicators that the demand for graphite is going to be greater than anybody is forecasting at the moment. I guess that is why I believe in the ultimate success of some that you call the 'superpits'. Or more precisely at this stage, at least one in particular. I also think some you call the 'boutiques' will be very successful. That requires a bit more work to make a selective judgement though.
Cheers
