# North American critical mineral processing expansion

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/north-american-critical-mineral-processing-expansion
> Updated: 2026-08-28T16:37:53.000Z. Sources: 3. Developments: 2.

North American companies are expanding domestic processing capabilities for critical minerals to support defense, aerospace, and automotive industries.

In Canada, Avalon Advanced Materials is developing projects in the Northwest Territories and Thunder Bay to establish lithium hydroxide refinery capacity. The company aims for an initial production of 30,000 tonnes per year to mitigate a projected global lithium shortfall.

In the United States, Atlantic Alumina Company has secured $800 million in public and private funding to revitalize its alumina refinery in Louisiana. This investment, which includes $400 million from the U.S. Department of Defense, supports the production of materials for national security subsectors and the company’s expansion into domestic gallium production.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-28: Atlantic Alumina secures $800 million to bolster U.S. supply chains

Atlantic Alumina Company has secured $800 million in combined government and private funding to revitalize the sole remaining U.S. alumina refinery and launch domestic gallium production.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/atlantic-alumina-secures-800-million-to-bolster-us-supply-chains

### 2026-08-16: Avalon Advanced Materials targets lithium hydroxide refinery dominance

Avalon Advanced Materials aims to become a leading North American lithium hydroxide refinery, targeting a 30,000-tonne annual production capacity to meet projected global demand.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/gold-iras-offer-retirement-diversification-through-physical-precious-metals

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Cite as: North American critical mineral processing expansion. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/north-american-critical-mineral-processing-expansion