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A Strategic Exploration of Battery Mineral Value Chains for Sustainable Innovation

Last Updated: 04/14/2026

Case Organization

Caterpillar Inc

For nearly 100 years, Caterpillar Inc. has been making sustainable progress possible and driving positive change on every continent.

https://www.caterpillar.com/

Tucson, AZ

Large Enterprise

50001+

Case Contributors

Joe Rottman

Senior Manager Business Development @ Caterpillar Inc for 18 year(s)

in/joe-rottman-016272a

I am an engineering and sales professional with 15 years of dedicated experience in the mining and product development industries at Caterpillar Inc. Specializing in ultra-class mining equipment, particularly for large open-pit copper mines, I have led diverse local and global engineering teams driving significant projects from concept to delivery. A proud alumnus of Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology with a B.S. in Computer Engineering and an M.S. in Engineering Management, I leverage my deep technical expertise and project management skills (PMP certified) to innovate and streamline operations. Beyond professional endeavors, I am committed to giving back to the community, serving on the Board of Directors for local non-profits and leading Tucson area CSR initiatives at Caterpillar. I am eager to connect with fellow professionals to share insights and explore collaborative opportunities.

Case Disciplines

Corporate Social Responsibility Growth Strategy Product Design & Development Purchasing, Logistics, Supply Chain

Skills & Expertise

Battery Chemistry Analysis Critical Minerals Analysis Dashboard Development Data Visualization Environmental Impact Assessment ESG Strategy (Environmental - Social - Governance) Ethical Sourcing Executive Reporting Geopolitical Risk Analysis Global Sourcing Strategy Industrial Strategy Lifecycle Analysis Market Demand Forecasting Materials Science Fundamentals Mining Industry Analysis Rare Earth Elements Analysis Resource Extraction Processes Strategic Planning Supply Chain Mapping Sustainability Analysis Upstream & Downstream Analysis Value Chain Analysis

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Background & Objective

The challenge or opportunity you are trying to address for the organization.

Gain insights into the value chain of top battery minerals. Caterpillar's clients increasingly demand products which satisfy environmental factors, in additional to traditional productivity and cost factors, to align with those customers' Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) objectives. As noted in Caterpillar's Investor Day 2022 presentation, Caterpillar is actively working to adapt to these changing demands.
Learning Objectives

This is what students will learn as they complete the case.

This case gives students the opportunity to analyze how battery mineral value chains are reshaping strategy in heavy industry and sustainable product development. Students will build practical skills in supply chain analysis, ESG assessment, and executive-level strategic communication by examining the minerals, companies, and market dynamics that underpin battery innovation. The work reflects real-world decision-making challenges faced by leaders adapting to electrification, resource constraints, and shifting customer expectations. 
  •  Analyze the major battery types and chemistries to understand how specific minerals influence performance, cost, and application 
  •  Identify and prioritize the most important battery minerals based on strategic relevance, market demand, and supply chain importance 
  •  Evaluate the geographic distribution, production capacity, and strategic role of major mining companies involved in battery mineral extraction 
  •  Map the end-to-end value chain for key battery minerals, from extraction and processing to battery manufacturing and end use 
  •  Assess environmental, ethical, and ESG considerations associated with sourcing and scaling battery minerals 
  •  Analyze supply chain vulnerabilities, geopolitical risks, and logistics constraints that could affect long-term mineral availability 
  •  Evaluate opportunities for innovation, efficiency, and competitive advantage across different stages of the battery mineral value chain 
  •  Synthesize technical research and market insights into clear, executive-ready recommendations that support strategic decision-making at Caterpillar
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