The correct answer is A. Russia.
Russia is the world’s largest producer of graphite, accounting for 23% of global production in 2020. The country’s graphite reserves are estimated to be 1.5 billion tonnes, the largest in the world. Russia’s graphite production is concentrated in the Ural Mountains region.
Sri Lanka is the world’s second largest producer of graphite, accounting for 18% of global production in 2020. The country’s graphite reserves are estimated to be 700 million tonnes. Sri Lanka’s graphite production is concentrated in the central highlands region.
India is the world’s third largest producer of graphite, accounting for 12% of global production in 2020. The country’s graphite reserves are estimated to be 500 million tonnes. India’s graphite production is concentrated in the Jharkhand and Madhya Pradesh states.
Zaire is the world’s fourth largest producer of graphite, accounting for 10% of global production in 2020. The country’s graphite reserves are estimated to be 400 million tonnes. Zaire’s graphite production is concentrated in the Katanga province.
Graphite is a mineral that is used in a variety of applications, including pencils, lubricants, and batteries. It is a soft, black mineral that is composed of carbon atoms arranged in a hexagonal lattice. Graphite is a good conductor of heat and electricity, and it is also resistant to corrosion.
The global demand for graphite is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.5% from 2020 to 2025. The growth in demand is being driven by the increasing use of graphite in the lithium-ion battery industry. Lithium-ion batteries are used in a variety of applications, including electric vehicles, consumer electronics, and energy storage systems.