US Defense Department Plans $1B Critical Minerals Procurement to Bolster Supply Security

Published: Oct 30, 2025 22:39

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According to reports, the US Department of Defense is planning to procure critical minerals worth up to $1 billion as part of its latest efforts to strengthen metal supply security and ensure the supply of raw materials needed for US defense systems and advanced technologies. Based on recently released documents from the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA), this initiative marks one of the largest expansions of the US strategic material stockpile in years.

For the US Department of Defense, ensuring a stable supply of critical minerals such as cobalt, antimony, tantalum, and scandium has become a strategic priority. These materials are embedded in nearly all advanced weapon systems and radar platforms, and are also core components of missile guidance, batteries, and communication technologies.

According to the DLA's latest tender, up to $500 million will be allocated for cobalt, $245 million for antimony from US Antimony Corporation, $100 million for tantalum, and approximately $45 million for scandium from Rio Tinto (RIO.US) and APL Engineered Materials in Illinois. An industry executive stated that these plans indicate "the US government has deeply recognized the strategic importance of these minerals" and is increasingly committed to strengthening domestic production capacity.

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