An operator processes enriched lithium metal at the Y-12 National Security Complex. Y-12 recently completed its lithium production campaign, yielding 177% of the goal for Fiscal Year 2026. Image submitted

OAK RIDGE, TN - The Y-12 National Security Complex recently completed a highly successful 2026 lithium metal production campaign, nearly doubling its Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 goal and marking the most successful campaign in decades. This accomplishment also significantly increased Y-12’s stockpile of enriched lithium, helping to ensure the future of the nation’s nuclear deterrent. The lithium metal produced at Y-12 is unlike lithium used for batteries because it is enriched for use as part of the nation’s nuclear weapons deterrent.

Brandon Williams, National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) Administrator and Department of Energy Under Secretary for Nuclear Security, said, “This achievement is a major win for America’s nuclear deterrent and a clear sign that Y-12 is delivering when the mission demands it most. By far exceeding its lithium processing goal, Y-12 demonstrated the kind of disciplined production performance the nation’s deterrent requires."


Campaign defined by dedication and innovation

The FY 2026 campaign stands as the most successful lithium production effort at Y-12 in more than 20 years and is a testament to the dedication and problem-solving capabilities of the site’s workforce. It follows a challenging period that included a missed campaign in FY 2025 due to structural degradation around the production cell. Recovery, as well as the execution of the FY 2026 campaign, took a site-wide effort that achieved 177 percent of the site’s goal for the year.

"This achievement is all about the people—the operators, maintenance and support staff,” Vice President of Mission Execution Reed Mullins said. “The problem-solving ability and commitment of the team was key to meeting and ultimately exceeding our production goal.”

Consolidated Nuclear Security (CNS) President and CEO Rich Tighe praised the team’s exceptional efforts. CNS manages and operates Y-12 for NNSA. “This campaign demonstrates Y-12’s culture as a production organization first and foremost, adapting to the infrastructure issues, and still delivering on our important mission for the nation,” he said.


Hurdles overcome with unwavering focus

The journey back to full production for the lithium metal production cell had multiple challenges.

Structural repairs were made to Y-12’s current lithium processing facility, which dates to the Manhattan Project, and a new access platform was built for key equipment. Completion of this work ahead of schedule allowed the production cell to return to operation in early December of 2025.

“From the beginning, we said 2026 was going to be different,” Mullins said. “The team maintained a resolute focus on continuing the campaign.”

Tighe agreed, “This team focused on a non-negotiable campaign start date from the beginning and maintained a clear-eyed focus on hitting that date. We began producing lithium metal the earliest we’ve started a campaign in recent years and we continued for close to four months.”

xxx