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 […]
> In the third quarter of 2025, 18 of the largest 25 copper miners reported quarter-on-quarter decreases in their output, including the top four miners. The total Q3 copper production reported by the top 25 miners hit 3.72Mt. “In the third quarter, many companies saw lower production compared to the previous quarter. However, most did not […]
> Prices for pet coke are rising whilst needle coke prices continue to decline as anode producers pivot towards cheaper feedstock. “Fierce competition in the anode market continues to pressure anode producers, leading them to eke out margin and defend their market share by reducing costs,” said Adam Megginson, senior analyst at Benchmark. “Anode producers have […]
> Europe is to become the fastest growing region for new synthetic anode active material production outside China, according to Benchmark’s Anode Forecast. Between 2024 and 2030, Europe will account for 35% of the growth in ex-China synthetic anode production, ahead of 34% and 28% for Asia ex-China and North America respectively, according to Benchmark’s Anode […]
> Benchmark hosted its inaugural Giga Africa event in Marrakesh, Morocco in September, featuring delegates from across the battery supply chain. Over the many conversations and discussions held about Africa’s place in the global battery supply chain, several key themes emerged: Explore these topics in the words of Giga Africa’s expert speakers and panellists.
> Lithium chemical prices spiked in China on Monday following a bullish speech by the chairman of Ganfeng – the world’s third-largest lithium producer – in which it was suggested that lithium demand growth could reach 30% in 2026. In a keynote speech on 16 November at the 10th International Summit on Power Battery Application in […]
> 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 […]
> Needle coke prices saw an unseasonal uptick between February and March thanks to Chinese coking facilities staying shut after the Spring Festival. “We would expect coking capacity to come back online after Spring Festival when a lot of facilities opt to undertake seasonal maintenance, but this mostly hasn’t happened in 2024,” said Adam Megginson, Benchmark […]