Jack Lifton, co-founder and co-chair of the Critical Minerals Institute (CMI), has been appointed to the advisory board of Arlington Innovation Partners (AIP), a company focused on vertically integrating US critical minerals supply chains.
Lifton is something of a legend and a globally recognised authority in the critical minerals and rare earths space, with more than 60 years of experience in the industry.
AIP Co-Founder and Partner David Argyle notes that few people understand the critical minerals supply chains in the way that Lifton does.
“He brings the technical depth to challenge assumptions and the commercial judgment to assess whether a proposed supply chain can deliver,” Argyle says.
“That combination is highly relevant to AIP as we work to restore the processing and manufacturing capabilities on which strategic industries depend.”
Lifton began working in the industry in the early 1960s, focusing on the purification of rare metals and the use of their compounds and alloys in electronics and energy storage. He went on to work in research, technical operations, plant management, and executive leadership across the rare metals and automotive electronics industries.
AIP is focused on metallisation and alloying capacity, as well as advanced engineering and manufacturing. It connects these capabilities with primary and recycled feedstocks for the defence, nuclear energy, aerospace, robotics, and critical infrastructure industries.
Speaking on the US industry, Lifton notes that “America’s critical minerals crisis was made in America, through decades of decisions that rewarded the dismantling of industrial capability”.
“Rebuilding that capability requires patient capital, proven metallurgy, and customers willing to make long-term purchasing commitments.
“I am joining AIP because its focus on metallisation, alloying, and manufacturing puts investment where mineral resources become industrial strength.”
Arlington Innovation Partners aims to deglobalise supply chains to protect strategic sovereign metals markets, targeting the bottlenecks that have led to supply insecurity.
The company also seeks to secure feedstock through offtake agreements to direct the development of upstream assets.
Write to Amy Rotman at Mining.com.au
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