2611 5. STRUCTURE OF GRAPHITE RESOURCES (2024/2025) 5.1 In terms of geological aspects 5.1.1 by type of deposits Table 1 - Distribution of C-resources by type of mineralisation in Mio t Type / Genesis CResources all Share in % CResources producing operations only Share in % CResources exploration projects only Share in % Reg. metamorph. 1 235.8 70.29 307,6 92.41 663.7 97.73 Cont. metamorph. 22.5 1.28 19.6 5.89 1.4 0.21 Hydrothermal (veins) 479.3 27.27 3.4 1.02 6.6 0.97 Breccia-pipes 1.3 0.07 0 0 1.3 0.19 Other or unknown 19.1 1.09 2.3 0.68 6.1 0.90 Total 1 758.0 100 332.8 100 679.1 100 Graphite deposits can generally be characterized as either sedimentogenic or magmatogenic deposits. Graphite concentrations formed by regional metamorphism of carbon-rich sedimentary rocks are statistically by far the most significant deposit type, both in producing mines and exploration projects. Although "skarn"-type deposits formed by contact metamorphism or hydrothermally formed vein-type deposits constitute only a small proportion, their high carbon content makes them an interesting deposit type. 5.1.2 by quality The wide-ranging applications of graphite are determined by its properties, particularly its particle size: Microcrystalline (“amorphous”) graphites are those with a particle size < 75 µm. Macrocrystalline (“flake”) graphites are classified into the categories “small” (75–150 µm), “medium” (150–180 µm), and “large” (180–300 µm). Graphites >300 µm are also referred to as “jumbos”. While flake graphite can be used in almost all applications (Li-ion batteries, refractory products, lubricants, friction linings, powder metallurgy, pencils, nuclear technology, fuel cells, etc.), cryptocrystalline (“amorphous”) graphite is not suitable for battery production or for applications in nuclear and powder metallurgy. Coarse-grained lumps are primarily used for the production of high-quality products.
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