Synthetic graphite capacity expansions remained a key trend in 2023 in China as anode producers looked to lower cost, higher sulphur feedstocks in an effort to manage costs. “Despite prices for coke falling throughout 2023, we’ve seen new project and capacity announcements continue at pace in China,” Adam Megginson, analyst at Benchmark said. “In the […]
> 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 […]
> 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 […]
> 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 […]
> 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 […]
> The Trump administration is stepping up direct investments in critical mineral projects to bolster US supply security, as part of a broader push by Washington to acquire equity in sectors considered vital to national security. Last week, the US Department of Energy (DoE) announced it would restructure a $2.3bn loan agreement with Lithium Americas, providing […]
> Battery anodes depend on a supply chain in which China dominates at every stage from feedstock material to active anode material production. Chinese production represents 74% of the total supply chain for graphite anodes, according to data from Benchmark. This poses a risk to supply chain security for anode producers in South Korea and elsewhere […]
> 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 […]
> Oil-major ExxonMobil is expanding its footprint in the battery supply chain after reaching an agreement to acquire Superior Graphite, in a deal that includes the latter’s planned 12ktpa synthetic graphite facility in Kentucky, where commercial production is slated for 2029. Although it represents Exxon’s first direct foray into synthetic graphite production, the oil-giant is developing […]