Graphite mine production in Canada 2010-2023

Canadian mine production of natural graphite dropped to a low of 3,500 metric tons in 2023, down from about 13,000 metric tons in the previous year. Over the last decade, graphite production in the North American country reached a high of 40,000 metric tons in both 2017 and 2018.

Graphite is an allotrope of carbon that is comprised of layers of carbon atoms. These layers can slide over each other easily, making it a very soft mineral. It is dull grey in appearance and metallic in luster. It conducts electricity easily because there are electrons between the layers of carbon atoms. Under high pressures and temperatures, graphite turns into diamonds. This process is actually how synthetic diamonds are produced. Due to its high conductivity, graphite is used in electrodes, batteries, and solar panels. Some other uses include being used in pencils (as it is well known as pencil lead) and lubricants.