Project Overview
Geology of the Kilbourne graphite deposit, St. Lawrence County, New York
Department(s)
Earth and Environmental Geosciences
Abstract
Graphite is an economically and strategically important mineral that is an essential part of battery technology for large-scale storage and electric vehicles. For example, a Tesla battery contains about 100 kg of graphite. Graphite is also considered a critical mineral by the U.S. Geological Survey. In this project, we will examine the Kilbourne graphite deposit (St. Lawrence County, NY). This deposit was discovered in 2023 and is currently in development by Empire State Mines. Most graphite used in US manufacturing is imported, and the Kilbourne deposit will be the first new graphite mine in the US in 70 years.
Students will visit Empire State Mines to see the Kilbourne deposit, and work with mine staff to sample exploration core and mined graphite ore, if available. At Colgate students will prepare samples for stable isotope analysis and scanning electron microscopy, with the goal of understanding the source of carbon and the mechanisms of graphite mineralization at this new deposit.
Student Qualifications
Completion of Geol 201 Mineralogy & Geochemistry. The EEGS Department encourages students interested in summer research to meet with potential faculty supervisors before submitting an application.
Project Length
6-8 weeks
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