GRAPHITE
- ECONOMY
News:
Why China is restricting
exports of graphite
What's
in the news?
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China said that it will require export
permits for some graphite products to protect national security, springing a
surprise with another bid to control critical mineral supply in response to
challenges over its global manufacturing dominance.
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China
is the world's top graphite producer and exporter.
It also refines more than 90% of the world's graphite into the material that is
used in virtually all EV battery anodes, which is the negatively charged
portion of a battery.
●
China's
graphite curbs are similar to those imposed since August 1 for two chip-making
metals, gallium and germanium. The restrictions have slashed exports of those
metals recently and pushed up prices outside of the country.
Graphite
reserves in India:
●
Geological Survey of India (GSI) has
released a report on graphite reserves in India. About 35 % of India’s total Graphite reserves is found in Arunachal
Pradesh. This is the highest found in the country.
Graphite:
●
Graphite is a naturally-occurring form of
crystalline carbon. It is a native element mineral found in metamorphic and
igneous rocks.
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It is extremely
soft, cleaves with very light pressure, and has a very low specific
gravity.
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It is the only non-metal element that is a good conductor of electricity.
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It is also known as a dry lubricant for its greasy feel.
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It has a layered structure that consists
of rings of six carbon atoms arranged in widely spaced horizontal sheets.
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It is dark gray to black in colour,
opaque, and very soft.
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It has many industrial uses, particularly
for products that need very high heat