Archive · 7 Nov 2025
5 Electrode and Refractory Stocks to Watch as Green Steel Production Expands
Making steel usually creates a lot of pollution.
But there's a new way to make steel using electricity that's much cleaner, called EAF steelmaking.
Lots of new factories are being built to use this cleaner method.
This is great news for companies that make special parts needed for these new factories, like graphite electrodes and heat-resistant bricks called refractories.
Some factories that make these parts have closed or made less, so there aren't as many available.
This means the companies still making them might be able to sell them for more money.
Some companies are even building bigger factories or making new kinds of materials to keep up with the demand.
Investors are watching these companies because they think they could do very well in the coming years as more factories switch to the cleaner way of making steel.
Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) technology is becoming the preferred method for sustainable steelmaking due to its lower carbon footprint.
Demand for graphite electrodes and refractory materials is increasing with the expansion of EAF capacity.
Supply of graphite electrodes is tightening in Western markets due to plant closures and capacity reductions.
Five key companies (Graphite India, HEG, RHI Magnesita, Raghav Productivity Enhancers, IFGL Refractories) are highlighted for their role in the electrode and refractory sector.
The shift to EAF steelmaking is creating a potential multi-year upcycle for investors in these specialized materials.
- Who
- Graphite India, HEG, RHI Magnesita, Raghav Productivity Enhancers, and IFGL Refractories, along with steel manufacturers utilizing Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) technology.
- What
- Companies producing graphite electrodes and refractory materials are poised for growth as the steel industry transitions to greener EAF technology, driven by decarbonization efforts.
- When
- The growth is expected through 2026 and beyond, with significant capacity expansion planned between 2025 and 2027.
- Where
- The trend is global, with specific mentions of operations and markets in India, Western markets, China, Russia, Germany, West Asia, East Asia, Africa, the US, and Europe.
- Why
- The urgency for decarbonization is driving the adoption of EAF steelmaking, which requires graphite electrodes and refractory materials, while a tightening supply of these materials is expected to stabilize and increase prices.
- New EAF Capacity
- 11 million tonnes operational, 54 MT expected by 2027
- Graphite Electrode Supply Tightening
- 4 plants shut, 4 cut capacity in Western markets, reducing global capacity by 18%
- Key Companies
- Graphite India, HEG, RHI Magnesita, Raghav Productivity Enhancers, IFGL Refractories
- Market Trend
- Shift to Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) steelmaking drives demand for electrodes and refractories
- Investment Outlook
- Potential multi-year opportunity due to upcycle in electrode and refractory sectors