Graphite occurs naturally in the Earth’s crust in schist and gneiss metamorphic rocks. The graphite can have a microcrystalline structure and flaky morphology, displaying a polymorphic phase with hexagonal and rhombohedra layers. Based on its structure properties, graphite is applied in a variety of technological applications including lithium-ion batteries, fuel cells, two-dimensional grapheme, electronics, fiber optics, electrical vehicles, and so forth.

Mining

Graphite ore is mined using excavating machines that carry dump trucks with raw ore.
The entire extraction process follows a mining plan, facilitating the selection of the most suitable ore for final products.

Homogenisation

The deposition of this ore on the feeding plant is systematised to form feeding piles in layers.
The goal is to reduce the natural variability of the ore.

Mechanical Concentration

The ore is subjected to successive grinding and a mechanical process separating impurities from the graphite. The mechanical concentration aims for maximum recovery of the graphite present in the ore, preserving its physical features.

Chemical Concentration

The chemical concentration is used to remove the remaining impurities in the previously graphite mechanically concentrated. Nacional de Grafite uses and treats the residues of the chemical concentration in order not to pollute the environment.

Filtering and drying

After the chemical concentration, the graphite is washed extensively with demineralised water, reaching a neutral pH. The remaining moisture is removed in Press-type filters and rotary dryers.