http://www.ornl.gov/ornl/news/story-tips/2014/deea420a-b412-48dc-94e0-d9e476d71acd

"These advances allow processing to be done with less expensive furnaces and less energy. The method could also help the U.S. graphite industry gain a competitive edge over overseas sources."

Here's a link to the study mentioned in ORNL's news release above:

http://www.researchgate.net/publication/260201168_Advanced_surface_and_microstructural_characterization_of_natural_graphite_anodes_for_lithium_ion_batteries

On the top right of the page, you can view the full text.

I read this, and this industry is ripe for a bidding war from many global players.