Gopher Resource Marks 80 Years Strengthening America’s Manufacturing Base and Newly Designated Critical Mineral Supply
Gopher Resource proudly celebrates 80 years of continuous operation, marking eight decades of leadership in responsible recycling and the recovery of essential materials that power American industry, strengthen U.S. energy security, and support domestic manufacturing. Since 1946, the company’s focus has remained constant: keep critical materials in circulation, protect the environment, and support a resilient U.S. supply chain.
Over its long history, Gopher Resource has helped build and sustain the nation’s lead battery recycling infrastructure, an achievement that makes lead batteries the most successfully recycled consumer product in the world. With a 99% recycling rate, lead batteries supply 70% of the lead used in U.S. manufacturing, significantly reducing reliance on virgin mining and foreign sources.
“For 80 years, Gopher Resource has focused on doing one thing well: safely recovering materials that are essential to American manufacturing,” said Daniel Leach, Senior Vice President and Chief Business Development Officer. “As demand for secure, domestic battery materials continues to grow, our role in supporting the nation’s economic and supply chain stability has never been more important.”
Lead: A Critical Mineral at the Center of America's Energy and Industrial Strength
Lead has long been foundational to industries including transportation, energy storage, backup power systems, and a growing number of technologies essential to modern life. These uses include data centers, AI infrastructure, forklifts, and industrial equipment.
Lead is now formally designated a critical mineral by the U.S. government, which highlights its importance to national security and the stability of the domestic supply chain.
Through decades of operational expertise, Gopher Resource recovers and refines high-quality recycled lead that meets the strict performance standards required by U.S. manufacturers. By keeping this essential material in continuous circulation and returning it to domestic supply instead of landfills or foreign markets, the company ensures a stable, circular, and environmentally responsible supply of a mineral the nation depends on.
Strengthening Circular Supply Through Advanced Recovery
In addition to lead, Gopher Resource continues to enhance the recovery of other valuable metals present in lead batteries, including tin and antimony. These materials strengthen battery performance and are recognized as critical minerals used across a wide range of industrial and emerging technology applications.
Gopher Resource also recovers the polypropylene plastic used in lead battery casings. This material is cleaned, processed, and returned to battery manufacturers for use in new battery cases, supporting a closed‑loop system in which nearly every major component of a spent battery is recycled and used again.
In response to rising demand and ongoing supply chain uncertainty, the company is expanding research and development efforts to improve recovery efficiency, reduce waste, and increase the performance of existing recycling processes. By refining how materials are recovered, Gopher Resource captures additional value from end-of-life batteries and reinforces secure, domestic supply chains.
As lead’s role becomes increasingly important to U.S. economic and energy security, it is essential to keep this material within the highly regulated domestic recycling system. Unlawful or loosely regulated exports of lead-bearing scrap often end up in countries with weaker environmental standards, where recycling conditions can create significant pollution and public‑health risks. Gopher Resource’s closed-loop, U.S.-based operations provide responsible recovery that protects workers, communities, and the nation’s critical mineral supply.
A Legacy of Safety, Responsibility, and Technical Expertise
For eight decades, Gopher Resource’s commitment to safety, environmental stewardship, and operational excellence has guided every part of its business. The company continues to invest in advanced environmental controls, rigorous safety protocols, and continuous process improvement to protect employees, communities, and the environment while supporting growing national demand for critical minerals.
Sharing Knowledge to Strengthen Circular Supply Chains
Gopher Resource actively advances industry knowledge by sharing technical insights and research with national and international audiences. Through collaboration with industry partners and participation in U.S. and global forums, the company contributes to broader efforts to improve critical mineral recovery, reduce waste, and strengthen sustainable and secure supply chains worldwide.
Looking Ahead: Proud of the Past, Committed to the Future
As Gopher Resource marks its 80th year of supporting America’s critical minerals ecosystem, the company remains anchored in its purpose: supporting America’s manufacturing strength, advancing responsible recycling, and ensuring secure access to the critical minerals that keep our economy moving.
By prioritizing safety, environmental stewardship, and efficient material recovery, Gopher Resource will continue helping build a stronger, more resilient, more circular American economy for decades to come.