Promotion of Domestic Production of 'Graphite,' the Core Anode Material for Secondary Batteries

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy (hereinafter referred to as MOTIE) is dedicating significant efforts to the localization policy of ‘graphite,’ a core material for secondary battery anode materials. Currently, all graphite is entirely dependent on imports.

Graphite has already been confirmed to have production history and deposits in some domestic regions. However, to develop it as a material for secondary battery anodes, precise estimation of ore quantity and systematic research for efficient development must be preceded.

Accordingly, MOTIE is conducting the project 'Smart Exploration and Raw Material Technology Development for Anode Material Graphite Ore' through the Korea Energy Technology Evaluation Institute to stably secure natural graphite for anode materials deposited domestically.

Lee Dong-kwon, head researcher at Bomin Global, the lead research institution of this project, stated, "Through the ongoing research and development, we aim to contribute to the stable supply of secondary battery raw materials, which are concentrated in specific countries, even if international relations experience tensions and changes."

In this technology development project, the Korea Institute of Geoscience and Mineral Resources is conducting research on smart exploration technology for domestic anode material graphite ore and on beneficiation and smelting technologies for producing high-purity graphite.

Alongside this, Pukyong National University is conducting mining process modeling and digital twin research for cutting-edge graphite mine development. The Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology is carrying out research on pitch production, spheronization process development, and anode material raw materialization.

The project, currently in its second phase, is conducting exploration, ore body distribution, and deposit estimation targeting three graphite mining sites nationwide, including Gapyeong.

Subsequently, together with domestic specialized institutions, the project plans to promote self-sufficiency of spherical graphite raw materials for secondary battery anodes through economic feasibility analysis, development, beneficiation, smelting, and raw materialization processes.

The research team will present the main contents and research achievements of the technology development conducted so far at a technical seminar to be held over two days from August 31 to September 1 at the Gyeongju Hwabaek Convention Center.