Graphite exploration differs from other mineral commodities, requiring a nuanced approach beyond the traditional focus on grade. The quality and economic potential of a graphite deposit are not solely determined by grade but rather by a combination of critical factors, including flake size, distribution, shape, and purity. These factors are essential for the marketability and value of the deposit, yet they are often overlooked in early-stage exploration.
Many graphite projects advance far into development focused on grade, yet lack credible data on flake size distribution and other mineralogical properties. This oversight can lead to significant challenges in project valuation, feasibility studies, and ultimately, market competitiveness.
Flake size plays a particularly pivotal role in determining the end-use applications and market value of graphite. Larger flakes, such as jumbo (0.3-0.5mm) and super jumbo (>0.5mm), command premium prices due to their suitability for high-value applications such as expandable graphite products and high-performance batteries. Smaller flakes, while less valuable, serve critical markets such as anodes for electric vehicles (EVs), lubricants, and refractory materials.
Understanding these distinctions requires a multidisciplinary team of geologists, mineralogists, and metallurgists equipped to conduct detailed mineralogical studies and flake size analysis, which are both time-consuming and technically demanding. Laboratory floatation procedures are essential for separating graphite flakes from gangue minerals, assessing their recovery potential, and preserving their size during processing. Liberation studies further evaluate the degree to which graphite flakes can be freed from the host rock. These steps are critical for generating credible data that can inform project decisions and market strategies.
As graphite drives energy transitions and industrial advances, understanding its market dynamics and mineralogical properties is essential to unlocking a project’s potential. With growing demand fuelled by its critical role in energy storage and industrial applications, companies must adopt a comprehensive exploration approach to remain competitive in this rapidly evolving sector.
