Graphite One, the developer behind a graphite mine in western Alaska is teaming up with electric vehicle manufacturer Lucid Motors. The first-of-its-kind partnership between a graphite producer and car company will establish what they are calling a “complete” supply chain.
The agreement calls for the supply of 5,000 tonnes per year of synthetic graphite, that’s over 30 thousand pounds per day. Synthetic graphite, opposed to natural graphite found in the ground, requires a tremendous amount of energy to produce.
This has prompted Graphite One to establish a processing facility in Warren, Ohio where industrial electricity costs are 11% lower than the national average. There they’ll produce the synthetic graphite to build institutional knowledge on graphite production as well as establish a revenue stream.
The synthetic graphite is somewhat of a stopgap until the Canadian mining company can bring its Graphite Creek property 30 miles to the north of Nome online. Pending the completion of a feasibility study and years of permit applications and approvals, mining isn’t expected to begin until 2029–at the earliest.
Alaska’s congressional committee attended an event in Washington D.C. announcing the partnership. In a press release Senator Lisa Murkowksi praised the unique partnership, noting that the two companies represent the start and end of the supply chain.
“I’m pleased that Graphite One and Lucid Motors are partnering to create a domestic supply chain for electric vehicles made in America from materials mined in Alaska. Graphite One is an excellent example of responsible resource development in Alaska, and this new partnership with Lucid only further solidifies their leadership."
- Senator Lisa Murkowski
Graphite One will begin delivering synthetic graphite to Lucid Motors as early as 2027. The mineral will be used in lithium-ion batteries in Lucid’s $70,000 Lucid Air sedan and upcoming Lucid Gravity SUV.
