Graphite is a naturally occurring form of carbon distinguished by its layered structure, which gives rise to a combination of strength, conductivity and resistance to heat. These characteristics have positioned it as a foundational material across a broad spectrum of industrial processes. While widely recognised for its use in pencils, graphite’s commercial relevance extends far beyond consumer applications and into areas that are central to modern manufacturing and energy systems.
At a basic level, graphite’s layered atomic arrangement allows sheets to slide over one another with minimal friction. This property underpins its long standing role as a dry lubricant in environments where oils and greases are impractical, such as high temperature or high pressure settings. In industrial machinery, graphite based lubricants can support operational continuity and reduce maintenance requirements, factors that influence cost efficiency and asset longevity.
Graphite is also valued for its ability to withstand extreme heat without melting under normal industrial conditions. This makes it suitable for refractory applications, including furnace linings, crucibles and moulds used in metal production. In steelmaking and foundry operations, graphite components contribute to thermal stability and process reliability.
Tirupati Graphite PLC (LON:TGR) is a fully integrated specialist graphite and graphene producer, with operations in Madagascar and Mozambique. The Company is delivering on this strategy by being fully integrated from mine to graphene. Its global multi-location operations include primary mining and processing in Madagascar, hi-tech graphite processing in India to produce specialty graphite, and a state-of-art graphene and technology R&D center to be established in India.
