In a significant step towards reinforcing the United States’ position in the battery technology sector, US Strategic Metals (USSM) has teamed up with Missouri University of Science and Technology (Missouri S&T) to advance research in precursor cathode active materials (pCAM). This collaboration could prove pivotal in bolstering domestic capabilities to produce essential components for lithium-ion batteries, which are crucial for electric vehicles and other green technologies.

At the core of lithium-ion batteries are cathode active materials (CAM), composed mainly of critical minerals like cobalt and nickel. pCAM serves as the initial material which is then processed into CAM. Amidst growing concerns over supply chain vulnerabilities and the dominance of foreign production—primarily in Asia—this research aims to establish a robust, localised supply chain for these indispensable battery elements.

The partnership involves USSM providing training and resources to Missouri S&T personnel, including postdocs, graduate, and undergraduate students. Trainees will have the opportunity to use USSM’s state-of-the-art extraction facilities to produce pCAM, thereby gaining firsthand experience in pivotal industry processes. Missouri S&T is tasked with optimizing the solvent extraction process to effectively recover pure salts from battery elements and to synthesize pCAM materials.

This initiative is not only a technological endeavor but also a strategic move to mitigate millions in potential costs for new equipment by leveraging USSM’s existing facilities. USSM’s CEO, Stacy Hastie, emphasized this partnership marks a critical development in closing a notable gap in the US battery supply chain. The research conducted aims to produce battery-grade pCAM in Fredericktown, MO, which would be the first of its kind in North America.

Missouri’s natural resource wealth positions it as a burgeoning leader in the transition to green energy. The state’s drive to harness these resources for technological advancements is supported by academic institutions like Missouri S&T and by industry leaders like USSM. This collaboration is underpinned by state-funded initiatives aimed at making Missouri a national hub for the mining and refining of critical minerals, essential not only for the state’s manufacturing sector but also for the broader North American battery technology landscape.

USSM stands out in North America as a sustainable provider of battery metals. It has positioned itself prominently to manage the escalating demand for metals required by the burgeoning electric vehicle market and the expanding production of lithium-ion batteries. This venture is part of a broader movement towards securing a sustainable and ethical supply of critical minerals in the United States, aligning with efforts to enhance national security and economic independence in key technological areas.

The fruits of this partnership could significantly influence the United States’ strategic positioning in global battery production markets and its ongoing efforts towards technological sovereignty in essential sectors. As such, the collaboration between USSM and Missouri S&T is a beacon of progress in the complex puzzle of building a resilient, domestically fueled supply chain for critical battery components.