A prominent U.S.-based global manufacturer and recycler of low-voltage batteries, Clarios, is set to invest as much as $1 billion in constructing a critical minerals processing and recovery plant within the United States. This initiative aligns with previous administrations' efforts to fortify the domestic supply chain for metals while addressing China's recent export ban on essential minerals. The facility aims to extract antimony from used batteries, enhancing domestic battery production capabilities. Clarios is currently negotiating potential locations in Indiana, Texas, and Utah. This project marks the beginning of a broader $6 billion energy manufacturing plan for the U.S., emphasizing sustainability and innovation.
Clarios Aims to Bolster U.S. Critical Mineral Supply Chain
In a significant move toward self-sufficiency, Clarios plans to establish a cutting-edge plant focused on extracting vital materials such as antimony from recycled batteries. According to Adam Muellerweiss, Clarios’ chief sustainability officer, this endeavor not only strengthens the company’s operations but also bolsters national security by reducing reliance on foreign imports. In December, China imposed an export ban on certain critical minerals, including antimony, intensifying the urgency for domestic solutions. Clarios has identified used batteries as the richest source of antimony available in the U.S., making recycling a strategic focus.
This initiative emerges amid supportive policies from both the Trump and Biden administrations. Since January, President Trump issued multiple executive orders promoting critical mineral processing and refining. Meanwhile, the Inflation Reduction Act, signed by President Biden in 2022, introduced the Advanced Manufacturing Production Tax Credit (AMPTC), commonly referred to as the 45x tax credit. Muellerweiss expressed optimism about leveraging these incentives to revitalize America’s industrial base, advocating for Congress to extend key provisions of the 45x tax credit beyond 2032 to ensure long-term dominance in critical mineral processing.
The proposed plant will serve as a cornerstone in strengthening the nation’s supply chain resilience, marking a pivotal moment in U.S. industrial strategy.
From a journalistic perspective, Clarios’ ambitious investment underscores the importance of sustainable practices and strategic planning in securing critical resources. By focusing on recycling and domestic extraction, the company exemplifies how innovation can address geopolitical challenges while fostering economic growth. This initiative highlights the need for continued policy support and collaboration between public and private sectors to maintain global competitiveness in critical industries.