Tapping Critical Minerals: Graphite One’s (TSX-V:GPH, OTCQX:GPHOF) Strategic Edge

Highlights

• Graphite One aims to build one of the U.S.’ largest integrated graphite supply chains to power EV and energy storage growth.
• The Graphite Creek deposit combines graphite and rare earth elements—unlocking dual-value potential from a single resource.
• New REE discoveries, including high-value heavy rare earths, significantly enhance the project’s strategic importance.
• U.S. government backing for critical minerals positions Graphite One at the center of supply chain security.
• A vertically integrated model aims to reduce reliance on imports and strengthen domestic battery material production.

Graphite One Inc. (TSX-V:GPH) (OTCQX:GPHOF) is advancing a strategically important mineral project in North America—the Graphite One Project. Aiming to become a major domestic producer of high-grade anode materials, the company is developing what could be one of the U.S.’ major integrated graphite operations, anchored by the country’s largest known natural graphite deposit.

Proposed as a vertically integrated operation, the project aims to mine and process natural graphite while manufacturing artificial and natural graphite anode active materials for lithium-ion electric vehicle batteries and energy storage markets. As global demand for critical minerals is growing, the project represents a potential cornerstone in strengthening U.S. supply chain independence and energy security.

A Strategic Bonus: Rare Earth Elements Found Discovery

In late 2025, independent analysis of garnet materials from the Graphite Creek depositrevealed something even more compelling—the presence of Rare Earth Elements (REEs), including elevated levels of magnetic and Heavy Rare Earths (HREEs). Drill core samples from the proposed pit area in Graphite One’s Feasibility Study suggest that REEs could be recovered alongside early graphite extraction.

Anthony Huston, CEO of Graphite One, noted that few rare earth deposits show such a strong presence of magnet and HREEs. With the deposit already confirmed by the USGS as the largest natural graphite resource in the U.S. and among the largest globally, the REE findings further highlight the project’s significance for technological applications.

Unlocking Dual Value from a Single Deposit

What makes Graphite Creek particularly compelling is its dual-mineral advantage. The deposit hosts both graphite and Rare Earth Elements—each classified as critical under the Defense Production Act Title III—within a single resource.  

The company’s Chief Geologist Kirsten Fristad highlighted that garnets, often marble-sized, are dominant hosts for HREEs and show REE concentrations two to six times higher than the remainder of the ore. This creates a unique opportunity to extract additional value through by-product recovery, enhancing the project’s overall economics.

To capitalize on this potential, Graphite One plans to collaborate with a U.S. National Lab in 2026 to develop optimal extraction methods for these REEs.

Riding the Wave of U.S. Strategic Mineral Investment

The timing couldn’t be more aligned. Momentum around strategic mineral stocks, including Graphite One, intensified after the U.S. Department of Defense allocated approximately USD 4.5 billion toward critical minerals in late 2025. Analysts project record government support for strategic mineral projects in 2026, emphasizing domestic supply chain resilience. Graphite One, located in a politically stable region and aligned with domestic mineral objectives, has drawn attention alongside peers such as Perpetua Resources, Centrus Energy, and Century Aluminum.

With confirmed REE potential at Graphite Creek, Graphite One is positioning its Graphite One Project to become a domestic source of both high-grade graphite and REEs. The project aims to supply critical materials for lithium-ion batteries, electric vehicles, energy storage, and advanced technology applications. By integrating mining, processing, and anode material production, Graphite One intends to strengthen U.S. supply chains, enhance domestic strategic mineral security, and support long-term growth in technology and renewable energy sectors.

Shares of GPH last traded at CAD 1.09 on March 25, 2026.