Synthetic graphite production involves energy-intensive processes such as high-temperature furnaces to graphitize petroleum coke, a by-product from refining oil. Flake graphite requires open pit mining and extensive primary beneficiation and concentration with associated tailings and effluents. Vein Graphite is naturally very high grade with 95% carbon purity shipping directly from the mine, and therefore does not require primary beneficiation (nor a tailings dam). It is also mined by underground methods giving it a small surface footprint. Sri Lanka is renowned for its high-quality vein graphite and is the only know producer in commercial quantities. Sri Lankan vein graphite is naturally the highest grade in the world, with over 90% carbon. Vein graphite has a higher degree of crystallinity than flake graphite which translates into excellent electrochemical properties for lithium-ion batteries.