Japan is putting pressure on rare earths supplies. Seeing that Japan is the world leader in lithium ion battery manufacturering (and subsequent patents), high-purity graphite should play a strong role.

http://www.republicofmining.com/2014/09/05/japan-loosens-chinas-grip-on-rare-earths-supplies-by-sonali-paul-and-yuka-obayashi-reuters-u-s-september-4-2014/

Zenyatta's visit to Japan in 2 weeks could prove to be valuable.