Atlantic Alumina Company has announced a $450-million strategic partnership with the US government and private investors to sustain domestic alumina production and establish America’s first large-scale primary gallium production circuit at its Louisiana refinery.

The agreement brings together Atlantic Alumina Company (Atalco), the only operating alumina refinery in the US, the US Department of War, and Concord Resources Holdings, alongside Concord’s majority shareholder, a fund managed by Pinnacle Asset Management. The investment targets the revitalisation and expansion of Atalco’s Gramercy, Louisiana site, strengthening US supply chains for critical minerals used in defence, aerospace, semiconductors and energy technologies.

Under the partnership, Atalco expects to produce more than one-million metric tonnes of alumina a year and up to 50 t/y of gallium, supporting a workforce of about 500 employees at the Gramercy facility.

Alumina produced at the refinery has supplied US industry since 1959, forming a key input for aluminium used in aerospace, defence and automotive manufacturing, as well as chemical-grade alumina for catalysts, refractories, fire suppressants, semiconductor components and water treatment.

Atalco said the transaction addressed strategic vulnerabilities in minerals markets dominated by foreign suppliers.

“Aligning this essential public sector support with private sector investment will secure onshore supply of alumina and gallium, which are contested commodity market segments currently dominated by China,” the company said. “This deal shows how quickly and decisively America can act to ensure long-term national security and economic resilience.”

The funding structure includes a $150-million preferred equity investment from the Department of War’s Industrial Base Analysis and Sustainment programme, with additional US government funding expected to close within 30 days. Pinnacle’s fund, through Concord, has committed more than $300-million in private capital.

“For the past decade, our investment philosophy has centered on bolstering the US supply chain for critical minerals and other commodities,” said Pinnacle Asset Management chief investment officer Jason Kellman. “This strategic partnership plays an important role in strengthening our country’s critical minerals supply.”

Scott Kellman, managing partner at Pinnacle, said the investment extended beyond the immediate expansion of the alumina facility. “In addition to the core expansion of the Atalco facility, this investment unlocks significant growth potential, including increasing the site’s mineral processing and power generation capabilities, all of which contributes to the long-term security of America’s materials supply chain.”

Atalco said the revitalisation of the Gramercy refinery would allow it to meet total US gallium demand, including requirements from the Department of War and domestic technology developers, while reducing reliance on foreign sources for critical minerals and securing high-value industrial jobs in Louisiana.