New St. Lawrence County operation strengthens U.S. critical minerals supply chain and supports clean energy and advanced manufacturing
The United States has reached a major milestone in rebuilding its domestic critical minerals supply chain with the reopening of its first graphite mining and processing operation since the 1950s. Located in St. Lawrence County, New York, the project marks a significant step toward restoring U.S. production of graphite—an essential material for electric vehicle batteries, energy storage systems, aerospace applications, and advanced defense technologies.
Graphite is a foundational input for modern electronics and clean energy systems, yet the U.S. has historically relied almost entirely on foreign sources. Global production and processing are currently dominated by China, underscoring the strategic importance of reestablishing domestic capacity as demand for critical minerals accelerates worldwide.
State and federal leaders highlighted the project’s role in enhancing economic competitiveness and national security.
“Reestablishing domestic graphite production strengthens both our economic competitiveness and our national security,” said a state official. “This investment supports advanced manufacturing, clean energy development, and long-term supply chain resilience.”
The Upstate New York operation is expected to generate new capital investment and create skilled jobs while positioning the region as an emerging hub for advanced materials and clean energy–related manufacturing. Initial operations will focus on the production of natural flake graphite, with plans to scale output to meet growing domestic demand from battery manufacturers and other technology-driven industries.
Regional economic development leaders emphasized the project’s alignment with broader national and local priorities.
“This investment places our region at the center of a rapidly expanding global market,” said an economic development representative. “Domestic graphite production provides U.S. manufacturers with a secure, reliable supply of a material that is critical to modern technology and future innovation.”
As federal and state initiatives increasingly prioritize the reshoring of critical mineral production, the reopening of graphite mining in Upstate New York represents a foundational step in rebuilding U.S. industrial capacity, strengthening supply chain security, and supporting long-term economic resilience.
