Lucid Group announced a strategic partnership with Alaska Energy Metals, Graphite One, Electric Metals, and RecycLiCo, to help accelerate the development of domestic critical mineral resources and the procurement of these minerals for use in automotive manufacturing by U.S.-based automakers and Tier 1 suppliers.
The newly launched Minerals for National Automotive Competitiveness Collaboration (MINAC) will work together to:
– Advance domestic mineral production through the completion of offtake agreements for American critical minerals for use in American automobiles;
– Identify and resolve barriers, as well as accelerate commercialization and customer adoption;
– Expand coordination between the mining and automotive sectors; and
– Support the qualification and procurement of domestically produced materials by U.S.-based automakers and Tier 1 suppliers.
MINAC Partners Focused on Advancing Domestic Mineral Production
Alaska Energy Metals, based in Anchorage, AK, is leading the development of a large-scale nickel project in the interior of Alaska. Nickel is a critical component of lithium-ion batteries, which power the vast majority of today’s electric vehicles. The use of high nickel content in battery chemistries plays a key role in creating high energy density battery cells, which can extend vehicle range, improve battery life and reduce reliance on other metals such as cobalt.
Electric Metals USA Limited is currently developing the Emily manganese project in Minnesota. As a key component in lithium-ion battery cathodes, manganese enhances energy density, lowers cost, and improves thermal stability—playing a critical role in enabling long-range, high-performance electric vehicles while ensuring battery and passenger safety.
Graphite One is currently developing facilities for production of graphite in various locations across the United States, including synthetic graphite in Ohio and natural graphite in Northern Alaska. Both of these sites are expected to begin producing graphite by 2028. Lucid and Graphite One have previously announced agreements to supply these synthetic and natural graphite materials to Lucid once production begins.
RecycLiCo is a critical minerals refining company specializing in the use of advanced hydrometallurgical technologies for processing mined ore and the upcycling of lithium-ion battery materials. RecycLiCo’s processes efficiently recover battery-ready lithium, cobalt, nickel, and manganese from end-of-life batteries and manufacturing scrap, supporting energy storage as well as broader industrial applications. RecycLiCo’s business focus aligns with the global demand for future-ready, responsible supply chains and the growing movement to strengthen domestic sourcing of critical materials.
