Today’s action supports continued investment in U.S. manufacturing and recycling capacity to reduce foreign reliance, says BCI’s Roger Miksad.
Battery Council International (BCI) leads the domestic battery manufacturing industry in celebrating the formal designation of lead as a critical mineral by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). This milestone is an overdue recognition of lead’s foundational role in the American economy as the primary raw material in the batteries that power effectively all cars and trucks, support critical communication infrastructure, and our national security.
“The designation of lead as a critical mineral sends a strong signal to domestic battery manufacturers that policymakers and the American public stand behind them,” said Roger Miksad, President and Executive Director of BCI. “This act will help battery companies continue to invest in growth and innovation with confidence, and will support the world-class recycling network across North America that keeps this critical mineral onshore.”
The U.S. lead battery industry directly supports more than 106,000 direct jobs and generates more than $35 billion in annual business output. The unique properties of the metal allow 99% of used lead batteries to be recycled and turned into new batteries that power the American economy.
This USGS designation will restrengthen this uniquely powerful circular economy and keep recyclable materials here in North America to shield U.S. consumers from supply shocks, rising costs, and geopolitical disruption.
When the first USGS critical minerals list was established in 2018, Battery Council International strongly advocated for lead to be included – and continued its advocacy across the intervening years. BCI’s efforts included filing formal comments, publishing educational materials, and regularly meeting with policymakers to ensure America can source the materials it needs domestically and through trusted long-term partners in Mexico and Canada.
“Today’s critical minerals designation is an important win in the battle against unfair foreign competition, and the result of countless hours of work by BCI staff and our member companies,” said BCI’s Roger Miksad. “We are grateful to all our allies in the industry who supported BCI’s efforts, and thank those at the USGS, the White House and Congress who recognize the essential nature of the domestic battery industry.”
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For more information, contact media@batterycouncil.org.
