Zavalivskyi Graphite Plant in Ukraine

KIROVOHRAD, UKRAINE - FEBRUARY 28: A view of Zavalivskyi Graphite Plant, a Ukrainian enterprise specializing in the extraction of graphite ore and its processing for industrial needs in Zavallya, Kirovohrad Oblast, Ukraine on February 28, 2025. The open-pit mining has been in operation since 1964. Currently, graphite, garnet, and granite are being extracted from the quarry. According to estimates, graphite reserves amount to 7,420,000 tons, garnet reserves to 3,000,000 tons, which will be sufficient for 15 years of mining. After that, the quarry area may be expanded. As of now, the quarry depth is about 120 meters. The plant produces around 10 types of graphite for various applications, including powder metallurgy, brake pads, usage in polymer materials such as composite plates for bulletproof vests , and lithium-ion batteries for phones, electric vehicles, and more. The plant's facilities can process up to 100-150 tons of graphite per day. (Photo by Arsen Dzodzaiev/Anadolu via Getty Images)