<p>Graphite is the backbone of the lithium-ion battery industry owing to its indispensability as the primary anode material, making it a critical mineral in the global shift to clean energy. Natural graphite supply remains geographically concentrated with sluggish mining scalability, leading to an escalation in supply-chain vulnerabilities. Consequently, synthetic graphite, preferred for its purity and performance, is gaining traction, although its production remains energy intensive and reliant on fossil fuel derivatives, undercutting sustainability goals. The future of graphite hinges on two game-changing developments: green synthesis from renewable carbon sources and efficient recycling of spent anodes. Although emerging synthesis methods such as biomass-derived precursors, plasma processing and microwave-assisted graphitization show promise, their industrial scalability remains a challenge. At the same time, advanced recycling technologies could transform spent graphite into a viable secondary source, reducing dependence on virgin materials. As the demand for this critical mineral surges, innovation in production and recycling will be key to balancing performance, cost and environmental impact. Additionally, support in the form of policies, market incentives and economic frameworks is crucial to fostering an ecosystem for sustainable graphite sourcing, green manufacturing and circular value chains.</p>