RS Mines, The Queen’s Mine

The Battery Arms Race

RS Mines, The Queen’s Mine, Leader for EV Battery Grade Graphite

The demand for natural graphite is on the rise, especially with the growing sales of electric vehicles (EVs). With anode-ready natural graphite selling for approximately $10,000 USD per tonne, the industry is gearing up for a significant surge in demand. According to Benchmark Mineral Intelligence, the demand for graphite is projected to triple from 1.2 million tonnes in 2022 to more than 5 million tonnes annually by 2030, driven primarily by the EV market. However, this surge in demand is expected to create a supply deficit by 2026.

China, a dominant player in the global EV battery supply chain, has implemented restrictions on graphite exports. This move has had a disproportionate impact on foreign manufacturers of electric vehicle battery components, as China controls the majority of the global production of graphite, which is the single largest component in EV batteries. Graphite companies in China process both domestically mined natural material and synthetic forms, further consolidating its position in the market.

As an essential material in the production of lithium-ion batteries, graphite accounts for almost half of the input materials required. Currently, 100% of the anode graphite supply is reliant on China, making it crucial for OEMs to actively seek non-Chinese sources of graphite to ensure a stable and diversified supply chain.

In light of these developments, it is imperative for OEMs and other stakeholders in the EV industry to explore alternative sources of graphite to mitigate the risk associated with heavy reliance on a single supplier. This will not only ensure a stable supply of graphite but also contribute to the diversification and resilience of the EV battery supply chain.

The increasing demand for natural graphite presents both challenges and opportunities for stakeholders in the EV industry. By strategically addressing the supply chain risks and exploring non-Chinese sources of graphite, the industry can navigate the impending supply deficit and foster sustainable growth in the EV market.

RS Mines is strategically positioning itself and The Queen’s Mine to provide ready-to-use anode material, sourced directly from The Queen's Mine, with minimal processing required to remove impurities from the naturally occurring high carbon crystalline graphite. This move is aimed at supplying anode manufacturers with a high-quality product that can offer superior performance compared to current Chinese synthetic alternatives.

Extensive testing of The Queen's Mine Natural Crystalline Graphite has demonstrated a remarkable 33% increase in performance when compared to the leading synthetic product in the Chinese market. These results show great promise, with potential for even further enhancements.

This innovative approach seeks to streamline the supply chain, offering an efficient and reliable source of premium anode material while reducing the need for extensive processing. As a result, RS Mines is poised to make a significant impact in the anode material industry, providing a top-tier product that meets the demands of an evolving market.