Our pencil leads are graphite. Graphite is prized for its inertness. These days it has attained the position of a critical mineral on account of its role in energy sector. As a form of carbon, graphite is the largest element by weight in an EV battery. It constitutes most of anode — the electrode that receives and holds lithium ions during charging and releases them when energy is needed.

China has a good hold over graphite supply chain. It not only produces graphite but refines it too.

The US has not mined graphite for many years. Of late, there is a a deal between Graphite One, a startup and Lucid, a maker of high-end EVs. Graphite One has conducted a feasibility study on major graphite deposits in Alaska.