Abstract
Natural graphite is used in a wide variety of applications where its unique physical, thermal, and electrical properties are exploited. Availability products are broadly classified as either crystalline or amorphous. The Sonora District of northwestern Mexico is the most important supplier of amorphous graphite to the United States. Crystalline flake varieties are available from Canada, Brazil, Madagascar, India, the Republic of Korea, Mexico, Norway, the Federal Republic of Germany, and Zimbabwe. Lump graphite is available from Sri Lanka. Ore is retrieved from both underground and open pit sources, and froth flotation is the primary upgrading process. This report summarizes studies on graphite completed under contract and is presented as a project overview. The number and description of various technical reports that were prepared and submitted are outlined. Various property list changes implemented by contract modifications are noted. Methods of data acquisition and analyses are described and useful findings of the studies are discussed. Difficulties and problems experienced during the project are highlighted, providing hints for improvement to future minerals availability program commodity studies.
