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Natural vs Synthetic: Performance, Cost & Future Outlook - Amanda van Dyke Interview (Part 1)
In our latest episode, we sat down with Amanda van Dyke, Founder of Critical Minerals Hub Plc, to explore the key differences between natural and synthetic graphite. In the first of two episodes, we discussed:
- Natural vs Synthetic: Natural flake has excellent conductivity but is brittle; synthetic, from petroleum byproducts, is smoother and more consistent.
- Battery trends: Shifted from ~65% natural → 100% synthetic → now 10-30% natural for better conductivity.
- Cost vs Performance: Anodes are one of the cheapest battery components, so even if synthetic costs twice as much, performance and lifespan take priority.
- Environmental view: Synthetic uses oil refining byproducts that would exist regardless of battery demand. It’s not driving fossil fuel extraction, though the oil and gas link remains a perception challenge.
- Beyond batteries: Large-flake natural graphite sells for 2× fine flake and is critical for expandable graphite used in foils for electronics, GPUs, and chip casings, where heat management is essential. Supply is tight, and demand keeps growing as electronics become smaller and more powerful.
- Future outlook on Natural: Science is still evolving. Advances like silicon coating and better spheronising could boost natural graphite’s role.
Stay tuned for Part 2, where we cover US tariffs on Chinese anode materials, the West’s chance to scale synthetic production, and how permitting delays and weak policies are holding back new mines and critical mineral supply chains.
Published 11 August 2025
Disclaimer
I am not a financial advisor. The content presented on this channel does not constitute financial advice. These are intended solely for educational purposes and should be used as a preliminary resource for conducting your own research. The opinions expressed here are entirely my own and are not affiliated with any companies mentioned. No exchange in benefits such as monetary payment has been exchanged for the production of this. This does not contain any offers, solicitations, or recommendations for the purchase or sale of any securities or investments, nor does it provide an investment strategy. The information shared should not be the sole basis for making any investment decisions regarding stocks or other assets. These represent my personal views, informed by sources considered reliable at the time of discussion. GraphiteHub disclaims any liability for losses incurred, whether due to negligence or reliance on the information provided here.
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By HarryIn our latest episode, we sat down with Amanda van Dyke, Founder of Critical Minerals Hub Plc, to explore the key differences between natural and synthetic graphite. In the first of two episodes, we discussed:
- Natural vs Synthetic: Natural flake has excellent conductivity but is brittle; synthetic, from petroleum byproducts, is smoother and more consistent.
- Battery trends: Shifted from ~65% natural → 100% synthetic → now 10-30% natural for better conductivity.
- Cost vs Performance: Anodes are one of the cheapest battery components, so even if synthetic costs twice as much, performance and lifespan take priority.
- Environmental view: Synthetic uses oil refining byproducts that would exist regardless of battery demand. It’s not driving fossil fuel extraction, though the oil and gas link remains a perception challenge.
- Beyond batteries: Large-flake natural graphite sells for 2× fine flake and is critical for expandable graphite used in foils for electronics, GPUs, and chip casings, where heat management is essential. Supply is tight, and demand keeps growing as electronics become smaller and more powerful.
- Future outlook on Natural: Science is still evolving. Advances like silicon coating and better spheronising could boost natural graphite’s role.
Stay tuned for Part 2, where we cover US tariffs on Chinese anode materials, the West’s chance to scale synthetic production, and how permitting delays and weak policies are holding back new mines and critical mineral supply chains.
Published 11 August 2025
Disclaimer
I am not a financial advisor. The content presented on this channel does not constitute financial advice. These are intended solely for educational purposes and should be used as a preliminary resource for conducting your own research. The opinions expressed here are entirely my own and are not affiliated with any companies mentioned. No exchange in benefits such as monetary payment has been exchanged for the production of this. This does not contain any offers, solicitations, or recommendations for the purchase or sale of any securities or investments, nor does it provide an investment strategy. The information shared should not be the sole basis for making any investment decisions regarding stocks or other assets. These represent my personal views, informed by sources considered reliable at the time of discussion. GraphiteHub disclaims any liability for losses incurred, whether due to negligence or reliance on the information provided here.