Lockheed seeks U.S. mineral supplies after Trump supply-chain push, sources say

• NioCorp has preliminarily agreed to supply Lockheed with 15 metric tons of scandium annually from its Nebraska mine (opening 2028), representing roughly a quarter of global demand estimated at 60 metric tons yearly
• Germanium negotiations with Teck Resources and 5N Plus have continued for over a year, with pricing and contract length remaining key sticking points
• Trump recently tightened waiver rules making it harder for defense contractors to buy minerals from China and other prohibited suppliers, accelerating the push for domestic sourcing

Summary: Lockheed Martin Pursues Domestic Critical Minerals Supply Amid Trump Administration Pressure

Lockheed Martin, the world's largest defense contractor, is negotiating deals to secure U.S.-sourced critical minerals as President Trump intensifies efforts to reduce defense industry dependence on China.

Key Deals in Progress:

Scandium Supply: Colorado-based NioCorp Developments has preliminarily agreed to supply Lockheed with 15 metric tons of scandium annually from its Nebraska mine, expected to open by 2028 with 100 metric tons annual capacity. This volume represents roughly 25% of global scandium demand, estimated at 60 metric tons by the U.S. Geological Survey. The U.S. hasn't mined scandium since 1969.

Germanium Supply: Lockheed is in separate negotiations with Teck Resources (Alaska's Red Dog mine) and Quebec-based 5N Plus for germanium supplies. Talks have continued for over a year, with pricing and contract length remaining major sticking points. Global germanium consumption is approximately 60 metric tons annually, with the U.S. importing over half its needs.

Market Context:

Both minerals are critical for military applications including F-35 fighter jets, aircraft components, and infrared sensors. Trump recently tightened regulations on defense contractors obtaining waivers to purchase minerals from China and prohibited foreign suppliers.

Challenges:

The initiative faces significant hurdles as Chinese suppliers historically offer cheaper prices due to differences in mining practices and regulatory standards. U.S. mining and processing capacity remains substantially limited compared to China's market dominance, despite dozens of U.S. projects under development.

The agreements represent a significant milestone in building domestic critical mineral supply chains for national security purposes.