Looking To Push Up Critical Mineral Supply, India Seeks Graphite Mines In Sri Lanka

India has initiated discussions with Sri Lanka to acquire graphite mines in the island nation. The discussions are part of the broader push for securing critical mineral supplies.

Graphite, also known as plumbago, blacklead, or mineral carbon, is a naturally occurring, stable form of carbon. This soft, lustrous mineral is used in lubricants, refractories, brake linings, pencils, and electrodes.

Demand for high-purity graphite is increasing steadily as it is the primary material for anodes in lithium-ion and other batteries. In fact, graphite typically constitutes the largest component by weight in lithium-ion batteries, with up to 70 kilograms used in an average electric vehicle (EV).

Recognising its crucial role in the clean technology supply chain, graphite has been included in the government’s list of 30 critical minerals released last year.

“Some discussions are under-way. Modalities are being worked on,” said a senior official with knowledge of the matter.

Sri Lanka has a long history of mining and exporting graphite, achieving annual exports of 35,000 metric tonnes. Sri Lanka's vein graphite is notable for its exceptional purity, flawless crystal structure, and high electrical conductivity, making it ideal for various commercial applications.

Currently, China is the world’s leading producer and exporter of graphite, refining more than 90 per cent of the global supply used in nearly all EV battery anodes, which are the negatively charged components of a battery.