USGT ~ Graphite’s growing range of applications has contributed to its increased demand and significant price increase [up to 5X higher since YR2001]. In addition to Graphite’s traditional uses, such as steel production, aviation, lubricants and brake linings – exponential growth is expected from new applications in battery technologies with current and future market drivers in portable electronics (ie: iPhones, iPads, and personal computers), as well as hybrid and electric vehicles, and developing green energy markets such as solar and wind power, pebble bed nuclear reactors and fuel cells.