Titan Mining Charts a New Course with Domestic Graphite Production

Titan Mining diversifies into US graphite production, capitalizing on new tariffs and record zinc output. The move aims to reduce decades of import reliance on critical minerals.

Titan Mining is capping a record-breaking year in its core zinc operations with a landmark strategic shift: establishing the United States' first domestic source of natural flake graphite in over seven decades. This move, bolstered by recent U.S. trade policy, positions the company as a future supplier of critical minerals to the North American market. Its recently issued operational guidance for 2026 further outlines this dual-path growth strategy.

U.S. Trade Policy Creates Favorable Conditions

A significant development supporting Titan Mining's new venture is a ruling by the U.S. Department of Commerce. The department has imposed combined anti-dumping and countervailing duties of no less than 160% on certain graphite products imported from China. This policy shift substantially alters the economic landscape, making secure domestic supply chains far more competitive.

The final determination from the U.S. International Trade Commission is anticipated in March 2026. An affirmative ruling would lock these tariffs in place for a minimum of five years, providing a stable framework for Titan Mining to secure long-term offtake agreements with industrial consumers.

Breaking Decades of Import Reliance

The centerpiece of this strategy is the commencement of graphite concentrate production at the Kilbourne facility in New York. This site represents the first domestic production of natural flake graphite in the U.S. in more than 70 years. Initial annual capacity is set at 1,200 tonnes, with plans for a near-term expansion to 2,500 tonnes.

Looking further ahead, the company has an ambitious scaling target of 40,000 tonnes of annual production. Achieving this capacity could allow Titan Mining to fulfill nearly half of the current U.S. demand for natural graphite, dramatically reducing the nation's present total reliance on foreign imports.

Zinc Operations Deliver Record Performance

This strategic expansion builds upon a foundation of operational strength. Titan Mining reported a highly successful 2025 fiscal year, achieving record zinc production of 64.2 million pounds. This output marks an 8% increase over the previous year. Performance was particularly strong in the fourth quarter, where production surged 28% to reach 18.7 million pounds.

For the 2026 planning period, management has provided zinc production guidance in a range of 62 to 66 million pounds. All-in sustaining costs (AISC) are projected to be between $1.07 and $1.17 per pound. The current mine plan prioritizes access to higher-grade ore zones to enhance long-term profitability.

Execution is Key to Future Growth

The primary question for investors now centers on execution. Can Titan Mining successfully achieve its ambitious scaling targets at the New York graphite operation without significant operational delays? The company's 2026 guidance underscores its operational goals, integrating continued zinc strength with the nascent graphite initiative. Success in this dual endeavor could redefine Titan Mining's role in the North American critical minerals sector.