..."the number of new entrants to graphite has completely died in the last few months?"... - Hahah, how many more did you think were coming, and Yes, mining the market opportunities are drying up.
My prediction is we'll see one or two of the advanced G Co's secure finance b4 the end of this year in time to be able to supply the market by end of 2018, early 2019. Combined with SYR, Chinese and remain existing G mines, they will comfortably be able to supply enough G for some time.
All others will struggle to secure finance to around 2019/20 where things can improve if EV's uptake explodes by then and if no new Battery Chemistries come along.