GRAPHITE RESOURCES

About Graphite :-

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It is the most stable allotrope of Carbon, with standard entropy being zero. It is the only non-metal element which is a good conductor of electricity. It is also known as a dry lubricant for its greasy feel. It has many industrial applications, especially for products that need very high heat.

Reserves in India :--

The Geological Survey of India (GSI) in its report revealed that about 35 % of India’s total Graphite reserves is found in Arunachal Pradesh. This is the highest found in country.

Importance of graphite minerals :-

Graphite is an excellent conductor of heat and electricity and also has the highest strength of any natural material. However, it wasn’t until recently that the metal began to gain popularity.

Interest in graphite mining is increasing in large part because lithium-ion batteries are becoming more and more common. These batteries are used in everything from phones to electric vehicles, and graphite is one of their key raw materials. As the use of lithium-ion batteries continues to increase, graphite demand is expected to rise at least in the next few years.

Major producers in the world :-

Rank 1- China, rank 2- Brazil, rank 3- Canada, rank-4 India, rank 5- Mozambique, rank 6- Ukraine, rank 7- Russia, rank 8- Norway, rank 9- Pakistan.

Issue: At present India imports majority of Graphite from other countries.

Importance: With 35 % of India’s Graphite deposits being found in Arunachal Pradesh, the State could now be developed as leading producer of graphite in country thus helping in meeting its future needs.

Suggestions: The Arunachal Pradesh’s secretary of Department of Geology and Mining suggested that the survey and drilling activities of GSI should be moved towards India-China international Border.

As per the reports China is undertaking huge graphite mining activities across the border in Tibet Autonomous Region. Therefore, road and infrastructure development towards the (Sino-India) international border should act as a boon for exploration and extraction of mineral at the same time meeting India needs and reducing imports.