The Betul Graphite Discovery: Geological Impact, Economic Implications and Exploration Constraints of New Graphite Horizons in the Betul Belt, Central India

Abstract

Graphite is a critical mineral for India because of its established industrial use and its growing role as an anode material in electric vehicle batteries and energy-storage technologies. India currently imports about 60% of its graphite requirement, despite having active domestic production and recently auctioned graphite blocks. This study examines the geological impact, economic implications and exploration constraints associated with graphite discoveries in the Betul Belt of Madhya Pradesh, with particular emphasis on the Tikari-Chiklar-Gauthana, Golighat-Makra-Junewani, Rathipur-Bhopali and Phandka-Gatkhera sectors. The assessment is based primarily on published literature, unpublished Geological Survey of India reports, available resource data and spatial compilation of explored graphite sectors on the regional geological map. The discovery and subsequent exploration of graphite in the Tikari-Chiklar-Gauthana area in 2012-13 changed the exploration perspective of the Betul Belt, which had previously been investigated mainly for volcanic-hosted massive sulphide-associated base-metal mineralisation. Exploration has since delineated several graphite-bearing horizons along strike continuities within the western metasedimentary part of the Betul belt. The available data indicate 14.70 million tonnes of graphite resources of variable fixed-carbon grades in the Betul Belt, with associated vanadium values reported in some blocks. Four graphite blocks in the Betul Belt have already been auctioned as mining leases or composite licences. However, several prospective blocks remain at the G-4 stage because of restrictions linked to forest boundaries, eco-sensitive zones and wildlife corridors. The findings suggest that the Betul graphite horizons may contribute to domestic graphite resource development, provided further exploration proceeds carefully within appropriate environmental and regulatory safeguards.