Critical Mineral

Aluminum

Lightweight strength and conduction.

Aluminum combines light weight, strength, and conductivity. It is widely used for cathode current collectors, enclosures, and structural components.

Role in the battery value chain

Primary material for cathode current collectors in most lithium-ion cells.
Used in pack enclosures, heat spreaders, and structural elements.
Supports lightweight designs in EVs, aircraft, and portable systems.

From ore to battery-grade material

Bauxite is refined into alumina, which is then smelted into aluminum metal. Rolling and finishing processes produce foils and extrusions tailored for battery applications.

National security & resilience

Maintaining robust domestic and allied aluminum production is vital for both automotive light-weighting and battery system manufacturing.

Environmental & community considerations

Aluminum is highly recyclable. Using recycled aluminum scrap in casting and rolling dramatically reduces energy intensity and emissions.

The American Battery connects aluminum to the full lithium-ion value chain—from mining and refining through active materials, cells, packs, and recycling—so that policymakers, partners, and citizens can see how this element supports American energy security.