Atalco Gramercy Hires Meridian 535 Strategies to Lobby Pentagon on Critical Minerals

Why it Matters

America’s last alumina producer, Atalco Gramercy LLC, is pivoting from tax policy to national security by hiring Meridian 535 Strategies to lobby the Pentagon on critical minerals funding. This marks a strategic shift from previous lobbying on trade and tax issues. The company has spent $130,000 across three firms since 2023, now adding defense expertise.

By the Numbers

• Previous spending breakdown:
  • Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP: $50,000 (March 2023-July 2025)
  • Wessel Group Inc.: $80,000 (2025)
• Total historical spending: $130,000
• New lobbying team:
  • Lead lobbyist: Ryan Phillip Crumpler
  • Congressional experience: 12 years, 11 months
  • Previous major client: Raytheon Co.
• Meridian 535 represents nine clients in 2025, earning $269,750 total.

Broader Context

Congress is advancing bipartisan legislation to reduce dependence on Chinese critical minerals. China controls 60% of global production and 90% of processing capacity. U.S. mining projects average 29 years from discovery to production due to permitting delays. The Pentagon identifies material shortages as the biggest obstacle to defense production increases.

The Agenda

Atalco is lobbying for Department of Defense funding on critical minerals and stockpiling. The new registration covers defense, manufacturing, and natural resources. Previous efforts focused on Section 45X tax credits and Section 232 tariff protections. The Louisiana refinery is the nation’s only domestic alumina producer.

Competitive Landscape

Several companies lobby on similar issues. Century Aluminum Co. targets Section 45X credits and trade protections. Arconic Corp. lobbies on military aluminum applications. Perpetua Resources Idaho Inc. focuses on Defense Logistics Agency stockpiles. The National Mining Association advocates broadly for domestic production.

Between The Lines

Congress is pushing multiple critical minerals bills. The H.R.4391 – Minerals Security Partnership Authorization Act aims to diversify supply chains. The S.598 – Unearth Innovation Act allocates $100 million annually for mineral R&D. Rep. Young Kim has held hearings on “breaking China’s chokehold”. Rep. Haley Stevens introduced the Unearth America’s Future Act. Sen. Todd Young highlighted China’s export restrictions in a recent op-ed.

The House Natural Resources Committee examined China’s market dominance. The Senate Armed Services Committee focused on defense mobilization challenges.

The Bottom Line

Atalco’s defense-focused lobbying aligns with congressional priorities on supply chain security. Crumpler’s House Armed Services Committee experience provides relevant expertise. As America’s sole alumina producer, the company has a compelling national security argument. The timing coincides with peak congressional attention on reducing Chinese mineral dependence.

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