The Life of a Graphite Miner in Sri Lanka

💎Graphite, the largest component of batteries used in electric vehicles, is in high demand as the EV industry is expected to triple in size by 2032.

⛏️Sri Lanka, known for having the purest graphite in the world, struggles to compete with China, which currently produces nearly 70% of the global supply.

📈The recent restrictions on graphite exports by China have created an opportunity for smaller players like Sri Lanka to step up and meet the growing global demand.

🌏Graphite mining in Sri Lanka has a long history, dating back to the 17th century. It was initially used for pencils but gained importance during World War II for making bombshells and cannonballs.

⚖️The control of graphite supply has become a power play between China and the US, with China imposing restrictions and the US looking for alternative sources.

What is the main use for graphite today?

—Graphite is mainly used in lithium-ion batteries found in smartphones, laptops, and electric vehicles.

Who currently produces the majority of the world's graphite supply?

—China currently produces nearly 70% of the global graphite supply.

Why is graphite mining important for Sri Lanka?

—Graphite mining is important for Sri Lanka as it is one of the country's main sources of income and has the purest graphite in the world.

How has the graphite mining industry in Sri Lanka evolved over time?

—The graphite mining industry in Sri Lanka has faced ups and downs, with a decline in demand after World War II and the nationalization of the sector in 1971. However, recent restrictions on graphite exports by China have created potential for growth.

What role does graphite play in the global tech war?

—Graphite plays a significant role in the global tech war, as China's control over graphite supply allows it to exert pressure on countries like the US, which depend on graphite imports.

00:01Neil, a graphite miner, spends most of his life working in one of Sri Lanka's deepest mines.

00:11Graphite, which is essential for batteries used in electric vehicles, is at the center of the Global Tech War.

00:25China currently produces nearly 70% of the global supply of graphite, surpassing Sri Lanka.

02:29The kataga graphite mine in Sri Lanka, which is owned by the government, produces nearly 800 tons of graphite per year.

03:35Graphite mining in Sri Lanka has a long history, dating back to the 17th century.

06:35Graphite's main use today is in lithium-ion batteries used in smartphones, laptops, and electric vehicles.

07:43China's recent restrictions on graphite exports have created an opportunity for countries like Sri Lanka to step up and meet the global demand.

08:04Graphite's control over supply plays a role in the global tech war, exerting pressure on countries like the US.