China's graphite resources are in a hurry after 20 years or no resources are available
**Abstract**
As the central theme of the 2010 Nobel Prize in Physics, graphene—a revolutionary material made from a single layer of carbon atoms, derived from graphite—has transitioned from theoretical research to real-world application. Scientists believe that this extraordinary material has the potential to transform the electronics industry and spark an industrial chain worth billions.
Currently, global natural graphite reserves are estimated at around 71 million tons, with China holding about 55 million tons, making up 77% of the world’s total. Despite this dominance, China remains a raw material supplier in the global supply chain, lacking high-value processing capabilities. This has led to concerns that the country is missing out on the full economic potential of its abundant resources.
Zhang Bin, chairman of the China Graphite Industry Association and CEO of Inner Mongolia Rixin Group, warns that if China continues down the low-end path, it may lose even the basic value of its graphite. He emphasizes that graphite is more critical than rare earths for future industrial development and calls for urgent upgrades in the sector.
Five years ago, Zhang made a bold move by investing 5.1 billion yuan into deep processing of graphite. Today, his company, Nisshin Group, has become the largest in China and second in the world. The unique properties of graphite—such as thermal resistance, electrical conductivity, and chemical stability—make it essential for military, advanced technology, and modern industries. Some experts predict that the 21st century will be the "century of graphite."
However, China faces a serious challenge: it exports low-cost graphite but imports highly processed products at significantly higher prices. In 2010, China exported over 585,000 tons while importing nearly 76,000 tons. This pattern has persisted for nearly three decades, raising fears that China’s graphite reserves could be depleted within 20 years.
Experts like Liu Jinzhu and Zhou Yu highlight the problem: China lacks core technologies for deep processing, and advanced techniques are controlled by countries such as the U.S., Japan, and the EU. As a result, China is stuck in a cycle of exporting raw materials and buying back finished products at inflated prices.
To address these issues, Zhang Bin has focused on building a complete industry chain. His company has partnered with top universities and research institutes, developed cutting-edge technologies, and secured multiple patents. In 2013, he successfully challenged a Swiss company by launching a competitive conductive agent product, forcing the foreign firm to withdraw from the Chinese market.
Despite these achievements, Zhang believes the battle is just beginning. He has expanded his resource base by acquiring key mines in Inner Mongolia and invested heavily in a high-tech graphite industry park. His vision is to create a national center for graphite production and R&D.
In order to ensure sustainable growth, the industry must learn from the rare earth model. Strict regulation, technological protection, and coordinated planning are essential. Governments at all levels need to take a more active role in managing graphite resources and supporting innovation. Only through strategic development can China fully harness the potential of its graphite wealth.
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