Published: May 29, 2025 |

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Low-voltage battery producer, Clarios, plans to invest $1 billion in a critical minerals processing and recovery plan in the United States.

The company said in a new release that this was part of Clarios’ overall strategy to boost the domestic supply of critical minerals.

Clarios, based in Glendale, Wisconsin, is owned by the global investment firm Brookfield Asset Management and operates 16 manufacturing and distribution centers across the U.S.

The battery maker has already completed preliminary site assessments for its new plant. It is considering Indiana, Texas, or Utah as potential locations.

The project is part of Clarios’ broader $6 billion energy manufacturing strategy. Additionally, it expects to receive support through federal advanced manufacturing tax credits.

Clarios plans to use advanced technologies at its new critical mineral processing and recovery plant to extract antimony and other key minerals from recycled materials. This approach will improve both efficiency and sustainability in the recycling process.

Antimony plays a vital role in producing ammunition, infrared sensors, and precision optics. Also, demand has surged since China imposed export controls last September. As a result, antimony prices have more than tripled.

Additionally, Clarios noted that its strategy supports the U.S. government’s push to strengthen the domestic supply of critical minerals.

“We’re excited to announce the next step in our strategy to increase our investment in the United States,” said Mark Wallace, CEO of Clarios.

“This initiative reflects our deep commitment to sustainability, innovation and building resilient supply chains. By advancing our recycling capabilities and deploying cutting-edge technologies, we’re not only strengthening the domestic supply of critical minerals — we’re also supporting national security and a more sustainable future,” added Wallace.

THE UNITED STATES IN A RACE FOR CRITICAL MINERALS

The global race to secure critical minerals has intensified, revealing significant geopolitical challenges for the United States. Despite efforts to bolster domestic production, economic and regulatory hurdles persist.

Albemarle Corporation, the world’s largest lithium producer, recently paused its plans to build a $1.3 billion lithium refinery in South Carolina. CEO Kent Masters cited a 74 percent drop in lithium prices over the past two years, stating the project is no longer economically viable.

As a result, this decision undermines U.S. initiatives to reduce reliance on Chinese lithium sources.

Antimony, essential for ammunition, infrared sensors, and precision optics, is another critical mineral where the U.S. seeks independence.

Perpetua Resources’ Stibnite Gold Project in Idaho, rich in antimony and gold, was granted FAST-41 status by the Trump administration.

This designation further streamlines permitting for critical infrastructure projects, aiming to boost domestic production and reduce reliance on foreign sources .

Additionally, companies like NevGold Corp. are exploring gold-antimony opportunities within the U.S. NevGold’s Limousine Butte Project in Nevada has yielded significant oxide gold-antimony drill results, indicating substantial potential for domestic supply.

The company has also raised $3.6 million (CAD$5 million) to advance this project, aligning with national efforts to secure critical mineral resources .

These developments underscore the complex interplay between economic viability, regulatory frameworks, and national security in securing critical mineral supplies.

While initiatives like FAST-41 aim to expedite domestic production, market dynamics and investment challenges continue to shape the U.S. strategy in this geopolitical arena.

Source: Mugglehead Magazine

Clarios is the global leader in advanced, low-voltage battery technologies for mobility. Their batteries and smart solutions power nearly every type of vehicle and are found in 1 of 3 cars worldwide on the road today. With around 18,000 employees in over 100 countries, they bring deep expertise to its aftermarket and OEM partners, and reliability, safety, and comfort to everyday lives. The company works to ensure that 100 percent of their products sold are recyclable, and they recycle 8,000 batteries an hour in its network.

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