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Lockheed Martin Seeks US Mineral Purchases

August 7, 2026

2 min read

Key Takeaways

Lockheed Martin in talks to buy US-sourced minerals.
Negotiations with NioCorp for scandium and Teck Resources for germanium.
Deals aim to reduce reliance on Chinese suppliers.
US mining and processing capacity remains limited.

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Strategic Implications

This move may indicate Lockheed's efforts to secure domestic supply chains, which could reduce dependence on Chinese suppliers and mitigate potential risks. The deals suggest a shift towards supporting US mines, which could have significant implications for the defense industry's mineral sourcing strategies.

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What Happened

Defense Giant Negotiates Domestic Supply Deals Amid China Pressure

Lockheed Martin is in discussions to purchase critical minerals from US-based suppliers, including NioCorp Developments and Teck Resources, as part of efforts to reduce reliance on Chinese suppliers. The company is seeking to secure domestic sources of scandium and germanium, used in various military equipment. The move comes as President Donald Trump pressures defense contractors to support US mines, according to sources familiar with the discussions, as reported by the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette.

Source | Originally Published: August 5, 2026

Companies Mentioned