Lucid Group has launched the Minerals for National Automotive Competitiveness Collaboration (MINAC), partnering with key US mineral producers and recyclers to fast-track domestic sourcing of nickel, manganese, graphite, and recycled battery materials, aiming to reduce foreign dependency and bolster national security amid the growing EV market.
Lucid Group has rolled out a new strategic partnership with several major players in the U.S. critical minerals scene—things like Alaska Energy Metals, Graphite One, Electric Metals, and RecycLiCo—really part of a bigger push to speed up the development and procurement of domestically sourced critical minerals for car makers. This collaboration, which calls itself the Minerals for National Automotive Competitiveness Collaboration, or MINAC for short, is all about boosting the U.S. supply chain for key battery materials used in electric vehicles and their suppliers. It’s kind of a crucial move, especially when you consider how dependent we’ve been on imports, and it’s tied into efforts to boost national security.
So, the main goals of MINAC include pushing forward domestic mineral production through binding offtake agreements—basically, deals that lock in supply for the high-demand minerals needed by EV batteries, to solidify supply chains. They’re also looking at tackling hurdles like logistical issues and regulatory red tape, plus improving how mining companies and the automotive industry work together. And, of course, supporting the qualification and procurement processes for these domestically produced materials, which is pretty important if these parts are going to be integrated into real, commercial EVs.
Each partner in this alliance brings specific expertise that helps build a more resilient, self-sufficient supply ecosystem for critical battery metals. Alaska Energy Metals is working on a pretty significant nickel project in Alaska’s interior—nickel’s a huge deal because of its high energy density, which is crucial for longer range EV batteries. Electric Metals is developing its Emily manganese project in Minnesota; manganese plays a key role in boosting battery energy, reducing costs, and improving thermal stability, which directly affects vehicle safety and overall performance. Then there’s Graphite One, working on both synthetic graphite production in Ohio and natural graphite mining farther north in Alaska, with phased production expected to begin as early as 2028. Interestingly enough, Lucid already has agreements with Graphite One to source these materials for its batteries as soon as they’re operational.
RecycLiCo adds a slightly different angle to this mix. It focuses on hydrometallurgical tech—processing mined ores and reclaiming lithium-ion battery materials from manufacturing scrap and batteries that reach the end of their life. Not only does this recover lithium, cobalt, nickel, and manganese in forms ready for batteries, but it also lines up with the wider industry shift toward sustainability and responsible sourcing. It’s a smarter way to reuse resources, honestly.
The announcement of MINAC definitely caught some attention at the political level. During a Capitol Hill event where they unveiled it, Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs and Alaska Senator Dan Sullivan both voiced support, emphasizing how the whole thing aligns with the country’s economic and security priorities. Arizona Congressman Juan Ciscomani also stressed how important public-private partnerships like MINAC are for keeping domestic supply chains healthy for these critical minerals.
Graphite One and Lucid already took a big step early on by signing a non-binding deal focused on anode active materials—kind of a first move towards establishing a fully U.S.-based supply pipeline stretching from Alaska and Ohio all the way to Arizona. The goal here is to reduce risks associated with the U.S.’s heavy dependence on foreign imports for key materials, which is especially relevant given the current push for cleaner energy, advanced batteries, and national defense.
Looking at the bigger picture industry-wise, U.S. automakers and suppliers are pretty vulnerable right now—particularly for minerals like manganese that we just don’t produce enough of at home. The hope with initiatives like MINAC is to build out a complete, integrated domestic ecosystem that covers everything from mining to recycling. This is about more than just cars; it’s about supporting industrial growth and making sure energy storage solutions are stable well into the future.
Of course, while Lucid is leading this effort, the whole thing will depend a lot on navigating complicated regulations, attracting enough investment to scale up production, and pushing tech innovations in materials processing. The progress of this partnership is going to be closely watched—especially as the auto industry speeds up its move towards electric vehicles and the U.S. government keeps pushing for stronger domestic supply chains for strategic minerals.
And don’t forget, this isn’t just talk. Graphite One and Lucid, by signing that early non-binding supply agreement, are making tangible moves toward a more self-sufficient, U.S.-focused critical minerals supply chain. It’s a clear sign that the industry is earnest about reducing reliance on imports—particularly for essential minerals needed to fuel our energy transition and national security efforts. It’s pretty interesting, right?
Source: Noah Wire Services
