China controls most of the world’s graphite supply. That kind of leverage can flip a switch on entire industries overnight. Electronics, electric vehicles, and renewable energy all depend on this one mineral, and right now, production and processing are concentrated in the hands of a foreign government.

That’s what makes Graphite Creek so important. This project in western Alaska has the potential to shift some of that control back to the U.S., offering a long-term domestic source of graphite. It’s one of the most advanced graphite mines in the U.S. right now. The site sits on a massive deposit, and early estimates suggest it could support decades of production. That matters for companies trying to build batteries without relying on overseas supply chains.

The demand is already here. From car manufacturers to grid-scale energy storage, the industries using graphite keep expanding. Mining in Alaska could answer that demand with a more stable, local source, as one that feeds directly into U.S. supply lines.

It’s Alaska, It’s Big

Graphite Creek is one of the largest known graphite deposits outside of China. Located near Nome, this graphite mine in the U.S. could supply the entire nation's needs and offer a significant pipeline feeding the lithium-ion battery supply chain.

The rapidly expanding electric vehicle industry alone is a massive driver of graphite demand, not to mention graphite’s use in other renewable technologies. A 2020 World Bank Group report estimates that the production of minerals, including graphite, as well as lithium and cobalt, will require an increase of nearly 500% by 2050 to meet the growing demand for clean energy technologies. It also anticipates that more than 3 billion tons of minerals and metals will be needed to deploy wind, solar and geothermal power, as well as energy storage, required for achieving a below 2°C future.

Did You Know?
‍Graphite One Inc. has struck a battery materials supply agreement with California-based electric vehicle manufacturer Lucid Motors that is expected to forge a complete mine-to-EVs graphite supply chain with links in Alaska, Ohio, and Arizona.

Alaska's delegation in Washington, D.C., is hailing this battery materials agreement as a win both for America's 49th State and for building a secure domestic supply chain to support the nation's energy transition. Source: North of 60 Mining News.

The estimated resource volume at Graphite Creek could also increase access to high-quality graphite that drives innovations addressing climate change and the goal of transitioning to a more sustainable energy future.

Beyond the global aspects, graphite mining in the U.S. has the potential to create jobs and stimulate economic growth in the region.

Competition is Good for Mining in Alaska

Developing graphite mining has the potential to reduce China's dominance in the graphite market and diversify the global supply chain, thus reducing America’s reliance on areas with the potential for geopolitical tensions, trade disputes, and less stringent environmental and human rights laws. The entry of a significant new player in the graphite market could also lead to lower prices for consumers, providing another reason why mining is good for Alaska.

An interesting aspect of an alternative global resource supply is the potential for the United States and other countries to form strategic alliances to develop and leverage resources such as Graphite Creek. Collaborative efforts could involve investment, technology transfer, and infrastructure development to accelerate the production and processing of graphite mining in the U.S., outside of China.

Graphite Mining in the U.S.

Overall, the development of resources at Graphite Creek, an Alaska mining asset, has the potential to strengthen America’s critical mineral market. It’s time to power up America's security with domestic mineral and metal production.

Frequently Asked Questions About Mining in Alaska

What makes Alaska a leader in responsible mining?

Alaska is known for setting some of the highest standards in the world for mining operations. It’s not a free-for-all—far from it. The state enforces strict environmental protections and safety measures that push companies to go beyond the minimum. These aren’t optional guidelines. They’re mandatory, enforced by state agencies like the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation and the Department of Natural Resources, along with federal oversight. The result is an industry that operates within clear guardrails while still delivering value.

What puts Alaska ahead is its commitment to doing things right from the beginning. Every step of a mining project, from exploration to reclamation, requires clear planning, transparency, and accountability. That includes financial responsibility, which means companies can’t just walk away from projects. The goal isn’t just to extract minerals, but to do it in a way that supports both the economy and the environment long-term. Alaska leads by proving that both can happen at the same time.

Which agencies oversee mining operations in Alaska?

Mining in Alaska is tightly regulated. Oversight doesn’t fall to just one group — it’s a coordinated effort between state and federal agencies. At the state level, the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, the Department of Environmental Conservation, and the Department of Natural Resources are all directly involved. They set the rules, monitor what’s happening on the ground, and enforce compliance. These agencies have authority over things like habitat protection, water quality, air emissions, and land use.

Federal partners like the Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers also have a say, especially on issues that cross into national environmental concerns. Together, these groups make sure that mining projects meet standards before, during, and after operations begin. It’s not a hands-off process. These agencies regularly inspect sites, review permits, and respond to any violations. Oversight in Alaska is designed to catch problems early and keep mining activity responsible from day one.

How does Alaska’s permitting process work for mining projects?

Mining companies can’t just show up and start digging. In Alaska, there’s a rigorous permitting process that includes multiple layers of review and input. It begins with agencies from both the state and federal levels. These agencies evaluate proposed projects for environmental risks, technical feasibility, and long-term impact. That means reviewing things like water usage, emissions, wildlife disruption, and land rehabilitation plans.

Before a company can move forward, it must prove that it can meet every requirement laid out by the permitting agencies. That includes financial commitments. In other words, they need to show they can pay for the work — not just to mine, but also to clean up and restore the land afterward. Public input is also built into the process. Alaskans have a voice, and they’re encouraged to use it. The end result is a permitting process that isn’t quick, but it’s thorough — and it exists to protect both people and ecosystems.

How does Alaska balance resource development with environmental protection?

Alaska doesn’t treat resource development and environmental protection like opposing forces. The state builds both into its mining process from the start. Projects are designed with environmental performance in mind. That means companies have to submit detailed plans for how they’ll protect ecosystems, reduce emissions, and reclaim disturbed land. These plans are reviewed and approved by regulatory agencies before any mining can begin.

There’s also constant oversight. Agencies don’t review plans and walk away. They stay involved through inspections, monitoring, and follow-ups. Financial bonding is another key part of the equation. Companies must set aside funds upfront for land restoration. That way, the land isn’t left damaged if a company walks away or fails to complete the job.

This model works. Alaska has examples of successful projects that continue to operate without long-term environmental damage. The key is making development and protection part of the same process, not separate goals.

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