Lockheed Martin negotiates U.S. scandium and germanium supply deals

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Lockheed Martin is negotiating to source two critical minerals from U.S. projects: a preliminary agreement with Colorado-based NioCorp to supply 15 metric tons per year of scandium from a Nebraska mine planned to open by 2028, and talks with Teck Resources and 5N Plus for germanium. Both minerals are used in military equipment such as aircraft components and infrared sensors. The deals would advance a U.S. push to shore up domestic critical-mineral chains after tightened Chinese export controls, but they face hurdles from cheaper Chinese supplies and limited U.S. mining and processing capacity.

Lockheed eyeing 15 metric tons per year of domestic scandium