Critical US Lithium Supply for Defence

I am not interested in electric vehicles. My interest in lithium is its role as a sovereign metal critical to US defence. Every portable radio, field computer, night vision system, drone and piece of battlefield comms equipment in the US military relies on lithium batteries. Without secure domestic supply, the US leaves these systems vulnerable to foreign control of raw materials and processing.

Astute has lithium in Nevada, the only state currently producing lithium in the US. This is a direct advantage for a country actively trying to build a self-reliant battery materials chain from mine to finished product. Nevada is already a hub for battery development and processing, and new supply from within its borders fits directly into the US strategy for securing critical minerals.

The Department of Defence has identified lithium as essential to national security. It is used in everything from soldier-worn devices to large energy storage systems for bases and mobile command units. The current reliance on overseas sources is a strategic risk. Having companies like Astute advancing viable projects on US soil is part of the solution.

Astute Metals offers scale, location and alignment with national priorities. For me, that is far more important than the EV market. This is about ensuring the US military can power its gear without depending on foreign lithium.