The Graphite One Project, an owner-operated, year-round truck-and-shovel operation situated near Nome, has just received a major grant from the Department of Defense, which wants to source graphite materials from the U.S., rather than overseas.
The $37.5 million grant from the Department of Defense comes through the Manufacturing Capability Expansion and Investment Prioritization Office of the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Industrial Base Policy. This domestic supply is crucial for the production of large-capacity batteries used in various defense applications, the Defense Department said.
The agreement, which falls under the Defense Production Act Title III authorities, will enable Graphite One to establish an advanced graphite supply chain solution centered around the company’s Graphite Creek resource.
Graphite One plans to mine graphite from Graphite Creek and ship it to Washington State for processing.
One of the key aspects of Graphite One’s supply chain strategy is the establishment of a recycling facility for reclamation of graphite and other battery materials, fostering a circular economy approach, the Defense Department wrote in a press release on Monday.
Graphite One will now expedite its feasibility study by a full year for removal of 4 million tons annually of graphite from its site. It must still go through permitting by other federal agencies.
“This investment to increase domestic capabilities for graphite exemplifies Industrial Base Policy’s commitment to building a resilient industrial base to meet current and future national defense requirements,” said Dr. Laura Taylor-Kale, Assistant Secretary of Defense for Industrial Base Policy. “The agreement with Graphite One (Alaska) advances the Defense Department’s strategy for minerals and materials related to large-capacity batteries.”
Anthony Huston, founder and CEO of Graphite One Inc., said, “Graphite One is honored to receive this award from the Department of Defense, and we look forward to commencing the accelerated Feasibility Study program immediately. This Department of Defense grant underscores our confidence in our strategy to build a 100% U.S.-based advanced graphite supply chain — from mining to refining to recycling. The U.S. simply cannot maintain a 21st Century tech-driven economy without Critical Minerals like graphite.”
The grant from the Department of Defense will not only support Graphite One’s ambitious plans but also solidify the company’s position as a key player in the domestic graphite industry.
