The largest graphite deposit in Ukraine — is it functioning now.

The substance that each of us has seen since childhood when drawing with a pencil on paper is . However, the modern economy uses this mineral not only as a raw material for companies that manufacture pencils.

Humans discovered graphite over 6,000 years ago. Over the last millennium, people have devised quite valuable ways to use the semi-metal to their benefit. The editorial team of Novyny.LIVE tells whether Ukraine possesses this valuable mineral and where the largest graphite deposit is located.

Where and why graphite is used

Currently, the largest consumer of graphite is the metallurgy industry:

• ferrous metallurgy;
• aluminum production.

Graphite is valued in production for its physicochemical properties:

• high thermal and electrical conductivity;
• oxidation resistance at high temperatures;
• chemical inertness.

However, it is worth noting that the industry uses both natural and synthetic graphite for its activities.

There is also a very promising area where the use of graphite is extremely valuable — in lithium-ion batteries — as an anode (an electrode from which current is directed in a gas or electrolyte, — Editor), convenient and safe.

Where in Ukraine there are graphite deposits

According to data on the website of the Institute of Geology, Ukraine possesses significant graphite reserves. Thus, graphite mineralization in our country is associated with the structures of the Ukrainian Shield, within which four graphite-bearing regions are distinguished:

• Popuzhsky;
• Kirovohrad;
• Priazovsky;
• Volyn;

In these territories, there are about 100 metamorphic-type graphite deposits and occurrences. However, only one of them is functioning — the Zavallivske deposit.

The largest graphite extraction deposit in Ukraine

The Zavallivske graphite deposit is the largest in Ukraine and one of the largest in the world graphite ore deposits. It is located near the town of Zavallia in the Kirovohrad region. The deposit is over 100 years old — it was discovered in 1921, and after a series of geological surveys, industrial development began here.

Graphite extraction took place since 1934, initially by shaft method, and from 1948 — by open-pit (quarry) method. Currently, the graphite deposit is managed by PJSC 'Zavallivsky Graphite Plant,' which annually extracts between 40-200 thousand tons of graphite.

Previously, we reported that in Ukraine, one of the oldest deposits, where salt was extracted since the 10th century . Also, learn about the largest in Ukraine.

This article describes the significance and use of graphite through the lens of the global economy and its resource importance in Ukraine. It highlights the largest graphite deposit in the country and its extraction history over the years.