Did not know this! Tesla requires more Graphite than Lithium....at a ratio of 15 X more graphite than lithium which makes sense that Tesla/Panasonic needs to desperately secure graphite supply quickly to meet production goals later this year. Makes a supply contract or buyout very likely with SJL.
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In fact, it is estimated that 15 times more graphite than lithium is required in a lithium-ion battery. In a clear indication that Tesla has begun sourcing the raw materials needed for its Nevada gigafactory, last week Tesla signed a 5-year lithium supply agreement with Vancouver based Pure Energy. This puts Tesla well on its way to meeting its lithium supply needs, however, the company still faces the task of securing its graphite needs for the gigafactory.
Tesla can acquire this through the supply of synthetic graphite, which is very expensive (up to $20,000 per tonne) and requires fossil fuels to manufacture. Both of which go against Tesla’s announced mandate to reduce the cost of battery production and move away from reliance on hydrocarbons.
Alternatively, they can secure off-take from a high quality, graphite deposit, much like they did with the Pure Energy lithium deposit (which would be aligned with their corporate mandate). Become vertically integrated; own your raw material; guarantee quality control and secure your future supply. Given the substantial concerns surrounding Chinese graphite mines (world’s largest graphite producer) it is quite likely that Tesla will seek a North American (possibly even American) source for its graphite."
https://oilprice.com/Finance/investing-and-trading-reports/The-Graphite-Game-Changer.html