Lockheed Martin negotiates US scandium and germanium deals amid Trump push
Lockheed Martin is in talks to secure two critical minerals from U.S. sources as part of President Donald Trump's effort to reduce reliance on China. The defense contractor is negotiating with Colorado‑based NioCorp Developments for scandium and with Teck Resources and 5N Plus for germanium, both used in aircraft components, infrared sensors and other military equipment.
NioCorp has signed a preliminary agreement to supply about 15 metric tons of scandium per year to Lockheed, a volume that would cover roughly a quarter of global scandium demand, which the U.S. Geological Survey estimates at 60 metric tons. The metal would be produced at NioCorp’s Nebraska mine slated to begin operations in 2028 with an annual capacity of 100 metric tons. Mark Smith, NioCorp’s CEO, said, “Both companies recognize how important scandium has become to the future of American defense technology.”
The negotiations follow a recent executive order signed by Trump that tightens rules on waivers allowing defense contractors to purchase critical minerals from China, highlighting the limited domestic mining and processing capacity compared with Chinese suppliers.
Entities
5N Plus · Lockheed Martin · Mark Smith · NioCorp Developments · Teck Resources
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.
- [● 3 SOURCES] The planned scandium supply would represent roughly a quarter of global scandium demand, estimated at about 60 metric tons. mix929.com · kelo.com · wkzo.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] Lockheed Martin is in talks to buy scandium from NioCorp Developments. mix929.com · kelo.com · wkzo.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] Mark Smith, NioCorp’s CEO, said both companies recognize how important scandium has become to the future of American defense technology. mix929.com · kelo.com · wkzo.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] Trump signed an executive order last month making it harder for defense contractors to obtain waivers to buy minerals from China. mix929.com · kelo.com · wkzo.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] NioCorp has signed a preliminary deal to supply 15 metric tons per year of scandium to Lockheed Martin. mix929.com · kelo.com · wkzo.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] President Donald Trump has pressured defense contractors to cut reliance on Chinese critical minerals. mix929.com · kelo.com · wkzo.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] Lockheed Martin is in talks to buy germanium from Teck Resources and 5N Plus. mix929.com · kelo.com · wkzo.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] The scandium would be produced at NioCorp’s Nebraska mine slated to open by 2028 with an annual capacity of 100 metric tons. mix929.com · kelo.com · wkzo.com