Critical Mineral
Copper
The conductor that connects cells to the world.
Copper is the workhorse conductor of the battery world, used in anode current collectors, busbars, and cabling.
Role in the battery value chain
- Primary material for anode current collectors, linking active materials to the external circuit.
- Used in busbars, interconnects, and cabling for packs and battery systems.
- Essential for low-resistance, high-efficiency energy transfer.
From ore to battery-grade material
Copper ores are concentrated, smelted, and refined into high-purity cathodes and wire rod. For battery applications, copper foil and specialized conductors are manufactured with tight control over thickness, surface treatments, and mechanical properties.
National security & resilience
The U.S. must maintain strong domestic and allied copper mining, smelting, and foil production to support both EV and grid-scale storage manufacturing.
Environmental & community considerations
Modern copper operations deploy advanced tailings management, water recycling, and energy efficiency measures. Recycling copper from cables, motors, and end-of-life batteries is a highly efficient way to conserve resources.
The American Battery connects copper 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.