Oct 14 (Reuters) - Titan Mining ( TIMCF ) said on Tuesday

it will begin production of graphite concentrate at its Empire

State Mines in New York, days after China expanded export limits

on rare earth minerals.

The Canadian miner is targeting ramp-up to a

40,000-tonne-per-year commercial graphite facility, which the

company said would be capable of supplying about half of current

U.S. natural graphite demand.

"China's decision to tighten graphite exports underscores

the importance of having a secure domestic supply of natural

graphite," said Titan CEO Rita Adiani.

China already tightly controlled its exports of rare earths,

but last week added five new elements, bringing the total that

are subject to restrictions to 12.

It also limited the export of dozens of pieces of equipment

and material used to mine and refine rare earths, processes in

which it is the world leader.

In March, U.S. President Donald Trump invoked emergency

powers to accelerate domestic production of critical minerals

such as aluminum, cobalt, lithium, graphite, neodymium and

dysprosium.

Titan said the facility will produce natural flake graphite

in micronized and high-purity forms sourced from the company's

Kilbourne deposit.