The world’s most cutting-edge electric vehicle manufacturer, Lucid Group, Inc., announced that it has partnered with critical mineral producers Alaska Energy Metals, Graphite One, Electric Metals, and RecycLiCo to help expedite the development of domestic critical mineral resources and the acquisition of these minerals for use in automotive manufacturing by Tier 1 suppliers and U.S.-based automakers.
Together, the recently established Minerals for National Automotive Competitiveness Collaboration (MINAC) will:
- 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.
On July 23, 2025, in Washington, D.C., Lucid and its partners will have a roundtable discussion and event with Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs, Sen. Dan Sullivan (AK), and Representatives Andy Biggs (AZ) and Nick Begich (AK) as part of the collaborative’s debut. Please get in touch with [email protected] for further information on tonight’s occasion.
MINAC Partners Focused on Advancing Domestic Mineral Production
The construction of a massive nickel project in the interior of Alaska is being spearheaded by Anchorage, Alaska-based Alaska Energy Metals. Lithium-ion batteries, which power the great majority of electric vehicles on the road today, depend heavily on nickel. In order to provide high energy density battery cells that can increase vehicle range, prolong battery life, and lessen dependency on other metals like cobalt, high nickel concentration in battery chemistries is essential.
The Emily manganese project is presently being developed in Minnesota by Electric Metals USA Limited. Long-range, high-performance electric vehicles are made possible by manganese, a crucial component of lithium-ion battery cathodes that increases energy density, reduces cost, and improves thermal stability while guaranteeing battery and passenger safety.
At the moment, Graphite One is building facilities to produce graphite in a number of US areas, such as Ohio for synthetic graphite and Northern Alaska for natural graphite. By 2028, graphite production is anticipated to start at each of these locations. Prior to production starting, Lucid and Graphite One had agreed to supply Lucid with these natural and synthetic graphite materials.
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.
Quotes from MINAC Members and Supporters:
Marc Winterhoff, Interim CEO of Lucid
“Domestic supply chains strengthen manufacturing resilience, fortify sustainable supply chains, and accelerate job growth. Following in the footsteps of our previous agreements, today we are doubling down on our commitment to powering American innovation and look forward to working with our partners as we build the next generation of automotive manufacturing in the United States.”
Gregory Beischer, President & CEO of Alaska Energy Metals
“By developing resilient automotive supply chains, we establish commercially viable mining operations that also help strengthen the American Defense Industrial Base. Sourcing minerals domestically enables better regulatory oversight, higher environmental standards, metal source traceability, and responsible sourcing. This approach mitigates harmful environmental and human rights risks often associated with foreign mining operations and provides an opportunity to improve the livelihoods of American communities.”
Brian Savage, CEO of Electric Metals (USA) Limited
“We are honored to join MINAC in advancing a secure and resilient 100% domestic supply chain for critical minerals. As the developer of the highest-grade manganese deposit in North America, located in Emily, Minnesota, Electric Metals is committed to establishing a domestic source of high-purity manganese products essential to the U.S. electric vehicle, battery, and defense industries. With no current domestic production of manganese, our project addresses a critical vulnerability in the nation’s supply chain. This collaboration is a strategic step toward reducing reliance on foreign sources and strengthening U.S. industrial and energy security.”
Anthony Huston, CEO of Graphite One, Inc
“Graphite One is pleased to be partnered with Lucid via supply chain offtake agreements for both synthetic and natural graphite. With MINAC representing domestic developers of the essential rechargeable battery materials and Lucid as an end-user, this agreement marks a significant step towards creating the fully U.S.-based supply chain that is an indispensable element of U.S. energy dominance.”
Richard Sadowsky, CEO of RecycLiCo Battery Materials Inc.
“RecycLiCo is proud to work alongside Lucid and our fellow MINAC collaborators, advancing our shared commitment to robust, sustainable, and secure, domestic supply chains for critical minerals. We are actively seeking opportunities to leverage our advanced hydrometallurgical process to efficiently recover high-purity lithium, cobalt, nickel, and manganese from end-of-life batteries, manufacturing scrap, and newly mined ore to help shape a future-ready critical-minerals industry.”
Sen. Mark Kelly (AZ)
“Arizona is proud to be home to Lucid’s state-of-the-art manufacturing facility, and I’m glad to see them leading the way in building electric vehicles with American-made materials. This is how we keep the economic benefits of innovation in the United States: by strengthening our supply chains, reducing our reliance on China, and supporting good-paying jobs in Arizona.”
Rep. Andy Biggs (AZ-05)
“Strengthening America’s mineral independence is essential to securing our future. I applaud this collaboration for advancing a domestic supply chain that puts American workers, manufacturers, and innovation first. We should never rely on foreign adversaries to power our economy. This initiative moves us closer to true energy and industrial sovereignty, and that’s a win for Arizona and for all of America.”
Rep. Eli Crane (AZ-02)
“Investing in domestic raw materials strengthens vital industries, fuels economic growth, and reduces our reliance on adversaries. When the private sector prioritizes American innovation, our nation grows more resilient and competitive. It’s great to see Lucid leading by example and investing in our future at home.”
Rep. Juan Ciscomani (AZ-06)
“Expanding domestic critical mineral production is more important than ever for Arizona and our country. Onshoring our mineral supply chain is one of my top priorities in Congress – it’s both an economic and a national security necessity. This partnership shows the private sector is stepping up to do its part. It’s a powerful example of American leadership and should serve as a model for the rest of the industry. It strengthens our economy, supports our national interests, and showcases what’s possible when American companies lead.”
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