As the world scrambles to transition to green energy sources, graphite, one of the most abundant minerals on Earth, is becoming an increasingly important resource in the energy and technology industries. Not only does graphite possess the unique ability to store and conduct electricity and heat, but it is also a key component in solar panel production. Currently, the global production of graphite is estimated to be 1.3 million metric tons per year, and its use is projected to increase exponentially in the coming years.
With demand on the rise, here are the top 10 countries producing graphite in the year 2023:
1. China – As the leader in both production and consumption of graphite, China easily holds the number one spot on our list. China currently produces an estimated 800,000 metric tons of graphite per year, making it the equivalent of over 60% of the world’s total production.
2. India – Indian graphite production has grown significantly in recent years, now producing an estimated 200,000 metric tons of graphite per year. The largest producer of graphite in the country is the Graphite India limited, a part of the group known as the Graphite India Group.
3. Brazil – Brazil is a significant producer of graphite, with an estimated production rate of 111,000 metric tons each year. Major players in the Brazilian graphite scene include Mineração Cruzeiro, ArcelorMittal Produçção, and Mineração Ferroso.
4. Turkey – With a graphite production rate of 105,000 metric tons each year, Turkey has earned 4th place amongst the world’s top graphite producers. Most of the resources used for graphite production are found in the Central Anatolian region, where companies such as Erdemir produce the highest quality graphite.
5. North Korea – Although the availability of reliable statistics from North Korea is limited, it is estimated to produce a sizable amount of graphite, approximately 65,000 metric tons each year. Most of its output is exported to China, South Korea, and Japan.
6. Russia – With an estimated annual production of 50,000 metric tons, Russia is a key contributor to the worldwide graphite market. The production is mainly concentrated in the Sverdlovsk region and is mainly sent off to other countries in Europe.
7. Austria – One of the few European countries on this list, Austria produces an estimated 30,000 metric tons of graphite each year. The country ahs a few private players such as Graphite & Carbon GmbH and Prom sandschacht, who produce fine-grained graphite.
8. Canada – Canada produces an estimated 20,000 metric tons of graphite each year, with much of its production occurring in the northern portions of the country, such as in Ontario and Quebec. The country is also home to Graphite One, one of the world’s largest graphite suppliers.
9. Mexico – Although not widely known for its graphite production, Mexico produces approximately 18,000 metric tons of the mineral each year. The majority of the country’s supply comes from theabcito Carbon Company and its subsidiary, Carbon de Mexico.
10. Japan – Per the latest estimates, Japan produces an estimated 17,500 metric tons of graphite per year. Much of the production is centered near the south allowed, in the Hiroshima and Oita Provinces.
As the global demand for graphite grows in the coming years, this list is likely to change dramatically and new countries may join these ranks. While China currently controls the majority of the market, the abundance of graphite-producing countries throughout the world means that competition in this sector is only likely to increase.
