Lockheed Martin Negotiates US Mineral Supplies to Reduce China Reliance
2 sources across 2 countries · Singapore · United Kingdom · 1 of them is linked to a state
Who reported this
- The Straits Times
- Reuters
What the colours mean
- Left
- Centre-left
- Centre
- Centre-right
- Right
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Lockheed Martin is in negotiations with US mining companies to secure domestic supplies of critical minerals for military use. The world's largest defense contractor is seeking scandium from NioCorp Developments and germanium from Teck Resources and 5N Plus. These minerals are essential for military equipment including aircraft components and infrared sensors.
The move follows pressure from President Donald Trump for defense contractors to decrease their reliance on China. In July, Trump signed an executive order that restricts the use of waivers that previously allowed contractors to purchase minerals from China and other prohibited foreign suppliers.
Regarding scandium, NioCorp Developments has signed a preliminary deal to provide Lockheed with 15 metric tonnes per year from its Nebraska mine, which is expected to open by 2028. This volume represents approximately one quarter of the estimated global demand for the mineral. The US has not mined scandium since 1969.
For germanium, Lockheed is in talks with Teck Resources, which produces a concentrate from its Red Dog mine in Alaska. The company is also in discussions with Quebec based 5N Plus. The US currently imports more than half of its germanium requirements.
Efforts to build these domestic supply chains face challenges. Chinese suppliers typically offer lower prices, and US mining and processing capacity remains limited compared to China's market dominance.
How each side framed it
- Centre
- The reporting focused on the strategic shift in supply chains and the specific regulatory pressures driving the move.
- Centre-right
- The reporting emphasized the necessity of strengthening national security and reducing dependence on foreign adversaries.
Sources
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