Clarios Plans Major Investment for Critical Minerals Processing Plant in the U.S.

Clarios to Establish a Critical Minerals Processing Plant

In a significant move to bolster the domestic production of critical minerals, Clarios, a global leader in low-voltage battery manufacturing and recycling, has announced plans for a groundbreaking investment of up to $1 billion. This ambitious initiative aims to construct and equip a state-of-the-art critical minerals processing and recovery facility within the United States. This development comes on the heels of recent executive orders and the availability of federal advanced manufacturing tax credits designed to support American manufacturing ventures.

The Importance of Critical Minerals

Critical minerals, such as antimony, are indispensable in various defense and military applications. Antimony is essential for the production of ammunition, night vision goggles, infrared sensors, and precision optics, making it a vital component in the arsenal of national security. The project's significance also lies in its potential to reduce the reliance on foreign sources of these minerals, which is increasingly crucial in today's complex geopolitical environment.

As the demand for advanced defense technologies grows, the extraction and processing of critical minerals represent a strategic priority for the U.S. This new facility is expected to enhance the stability and security of the mineral supply chain, particularly as the administration emphasizes the need for independence from international supply sources.

Exploring Potential Sites

Clarios has already conducted preliminary assessments in several states, including Indiana, Texas, and Utah, as potential sites for this investment. By leveraging the latest technologies for extracting and processing minerals, Clarios aims to improve the efficiency and sustainability of the recycling process. The company’s commitment to sustainability is further underscored by its robust strategy that plans to incorporate cutting-edge methods for recycling these precious resources.

Mark Wallace, CEO of Clarios, expressed excitement over the project, stating, "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, but we're also supporting national security and a more sustainable future."

Supporting National Security and Economic Growth

Clarios' strategy resonates with the current administration's emphasis on fortifying the domestic supply of critical minerals. Executive orders aimed at amplifying supply and diminishing dependence on foreign sources highlight the criticality of minerals for the nation's economic growth and security. By investing in this processing and recovery plant, Clarios is aligning itself with national priorities while also contributing to the resilience of the U.S. supply chain.

Funding for this initiative is part of Clarios' comprehensive $6 billion American energy manufacturing strategy, with approximately $1.9 billion earmarked specifically for critical minerals processing. By establishing this facility, Clarios intends to position itself at the forefront of advanced battery manufacturing, ensuring a reliable supply chain of essential materials for future technologies.

Clarios: A Leader in Battery Technologies

Clarios stands as a beacon in the realm of advanced, low-voltage battery technologies, powering nearly every type of vehicle and contributing to 1 in 3 cars globally. With a dedicated workforce of around 18,000 employees operating in over 100 countries, Clarios has established its reputation not only for technical innovation but also for a rigorous focus on sustainability. The company is committed to ensuring that all its products are recyclable, recycling an impressive 8,000 batteries an hour throughout its network.

This new critical mineral processing and recovery plant is set to serve as a pivotal hub for future investments in next-generation technology development, reinforcing Clarios' commitment to improving the environmental footprint of battery production while enhancing the U.S. battery supply chain and national defense. Clarios firmly believes that this step will significantly contribute to the shared vision of a sustainable future, intertwining economic viability with national interests and ecological responsibility.