The company said mining and processing operations at the graphite project in the south African nation remain uninterrupted.

This infographic compares the minerals used in a typical electric car with a conventional gas car.

The property covers 40 sqkm and has a resource estimate of 65.5 million tonnes grading 17.2% graphitic carbon.

Increased prices for fossil fuels have shifted the conversation, potentially benefitting oil and gas projects in Africa as importers scramble to diversify supply chains away from Russia.

The overwhelming message from miners and investors is that the situation is urgent, and getting worse, writes Clyde Russell.

While the auto giant has EV metals contracts with suppliers across the globe, its goal to produce 20 million vehicles annually by 2030 will require vastly more supplies of metals.