Graphite’s versatility is undeniable, playing a crucial role in a variety of applications including dry lubricants, foundry facings, electrodes, and batteries. It serves as a moderator in nuclear reactors and is an essential component in crafting carbon-fiber materials for sporting and aerospace equipment. Alaska is home to a significant deposit of this strategic resource, specifically at Graphite Creek in western Alaska. Recent evaluations suggest that this site may also contain valuable rare-earth materials alongside the graphite.
So, why does this matter? Currently, China dominates the global graphite market, producing approximately 80 percent of the supply. Additionally, China is a leading producer of rare earth minerals, which often occur alongside graphite in both China and Alaska. The common link between these materials is the gemstone garnet.
Interestingly, garnets, once considered mainly for their ornamental value, are proving to be much more than just inexpensive jewelry components.
Now, new analyses of garnet-bearing schist within the planned pit area reveal elevated levels of five of the rare earths used in powerful permanent magnets – neodymium, praseodymium, dysprosium, terbium, and samarium – along with scandium and yttrium used in high-performance alloys.
Why is this important? At present, China produces roughly 80 percent of the world’s graphite. China is also a major producer of rare earth minerals, and in China as in Alaska, those are often found co-located with graphite, thanks to a certain gemstone: Garnet.
“Garnets are known for their ability to uptake heavy rare earths and yttrium into their mineral structure,” said Graphite One Chief Geologist Kirsten Fristad.
The rare earths found within the deposit, which are essential for the magnets used in electric vehicles, wind turbines, and precision-guided munitions, elevate Graphite Creek to a potential polymetallic source of six of the elements on the final 2025 critical minerals list published by the U.S. Geological Survey last week.
“Given the robust economics of our planned complete graphite materials supply chain, the presence of rare earths at Graphite Creek suggests that recovery as a by-product to our graphite production will maximize the value,” said Graphite One President Anthony Huston.
Turns out garnets aren’t just for cheap jewelry anymore.
