The -100 natural flake graphite deficit is forecast by Benchmark to more than double this year, despite supply increasing by 15%. The synthetic graphite market, by contrast, is forecast by Benchmark to be in a surplus until 2028, with this year’s surplus growing 23% on last year. Flake graphite is generally preferred by Western automakers […]
> Chinese flake graphite producers are facing low margins and are reducing utilisation rates as prices of the battery material fell in August after flattening out at low levels in recent months. Flake graphite has been under pressure due to a combination of sluggish downstream demand and an increased preference for synthetic graphite as some anode […]
> Anode makers could look to larger flake graphite sizes keep up with battery demand as Benchmark forecasts a growing -100 flake graphite deficit. Before being converted into the spherical graphite required for battery anode material, flake graphite must first be micronised. Given that the larger graphite flake sizes sell at a premium and also need […]
> Improved demand from battery synthetic graphite anode producers and low inventories at the supply level saw prices of petroleum-based coke (pet coke) rise 3% this month following a 16% price drop last month, as assessed by Benchmark. A growing preference from anode producers to purchase pet coke over the more expensive needle pet coke also […]
> South Korea’s battery industry is one of the most developed and globally integrated ecosystems in the world. Yet beneath the surface of its technical leadership lies a sense of caution: competition from China is intensifying, margins are thin, and chemistry choices are shifting rapidly. A recent visit by Benchmark’s Lithium Product Director, Cameron Perks – […]
> Following the conclusion of a formal public consultation, Benchmark Mineral Intelligence is modifying the specification of its high energy anode material grades to include a minimum charging rate, relevant for EV applications. This modification to the methodology for two of the existing grades in the Benchmark Anode Price Assessment begins from 15 October 2025. Two […]
> Escalating unrest in Mali, as jihadi groups target fuel convoys around the capital Bamako, has led several governments including France and the US to advise their citizens to leave the country. The attacks have created fuel shortages, and raised serious concerns around the military government’s ability to maintain its rule in the country. Mali is […]
> The average price of synthetic graphite anode material has fallen below that of natural graphite anode for the first time in over three years, pushing cell makers to increasingly switch to the more affordable option. Average prices of synthetic graphite anode material have fallen 18% year-on-year in June to $4,738 per tonne, the lowest level […]
> South Korean steel and chemicals giant POSCO has taken a 30% stake in Australia’s Mineral Resources’ (MinRes) 50% stakes in the Mt Marion and Wodgina mines for US$765 million. Structured as a joint venture, the deal would see MinRes and POSCO hold an overall 35% and 15% of the operations, as well as corresponding rights […]