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Lockheed Martin Seeks Domestic Scandium Supply

August 7, 2026

2 min read

Key Takeaways

Lockheed Martin signs MOU with NioCorp for scandium oxide supply.
Up to 15 tonnes of scandium oxide may be delivered annually.
Material is crucial for airframe structures and additive manufacturing.
NioCorp's Elk Creek mine project is not yet fully financed.

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Strategic Implications

This partnership may indicate Lockheed Martin's efforts to reduce dependence on Chinese exports, which could strengthen the US aerospace supply chain. The move suggests a growing concern about the impact of export controls on critical materials, which may lead to increased investment in domestic sourcing and alloy development.

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What Happened

Defense Giant Partners With NioCorp Amid China Export Controls

Lockheed Martin has partnered with NioCorp Developments to secure a domestic supply of scandium oxide, a critical material for airframe structures and additive manufacturing. The non-binding memorandum of understanding covers the potential purchase of up to 15 tonnes of scandium oxide annually over the next decade. NioCorp’s Elk Creek mine project, which aims to produce 100 tonnes of scandium oxide per year, is not yet fully financed. The agreement comes as the US faces dependence on Chinese exports, with Beijing having placed scandium under export licensing in April 2025. This development was first reported by AeroTime.

Source | Originally Published: August 4, 2026

Companies Mentioned