Critical Mineral
Graphite
The backbone of today’s anodes.
Graphite is the dominant anode material in lithium-ion batteries, storing lithium during charge and enabling repeated cycling.
Role in the battery value chain
- Primary host material for lithium in most commercial anodes.
- Available as natural and synthetic graphite, each with distinct performance and cost profiles.
- Platform for emerging silicon-enhanced blends that push energy density.
From ore to battery-grade material
Natural graphite is mined, purified, and shaped; synthetic graphite is produced from petroleum or other carbon feedstocks. Both pathways require high-temperature processing and precision engineering to meet battery-grade specs.
National security & resilience
Anode supply is heavily concentrated geographically today. Developing domestic graphite mining, synthetic production, and anode manufacturing is critical for American supply chain independence.
Environmental & community considerations
Cleaner energy inputs, advanced emission controls, and recycling of anode materials reduce the footprint of graphite production.
The American Battery connects graphite to the full lithium-ion value chain—from mining and refining through active materials, cells, packs, and recycling—so that policymakers, partners, and citizens can see how this element supports American energy security.