United Mine Workers Association

Graphite mines in the United States largely closed down seven decades ago. Mining the ubiquitous mineral found in everything from nuclear reactors to pencils seemed to make little sense when it could be imported inexpensively from other nations, especially China.That view is changing now. And, Alabama is among the states taking part.

OAKMAN, Ala. (AP) — The United Mine Workers Association says 350 workers will be laid off when a mine in Alabama is temporarily closed. The district vice…