Lockheed Martin Pursues Domestic Scandium and Germanium Supplies

Lockheed Martin is negotiating with U.S. and Canadian mining firms to secure domestic supplies of scandium and germanium. The move aims to reduce reliance on China and follows an executive order by President Donald Trump that restricts defense contractors from obtaining waivers to purchase minerals from prohibited foreign suppliers.

The company has signed a preliminary agreement with NioCorp Developments to receive 15 metric tons of scandium annually from a Nebraska mine expected to open by 2028. Lockheed Martin is also in discussions with Teck Resources and 5N Plus for the supply of germanium, which is used in aircraft components and infrared sensors.

These efforts face obstacles, including the lower cost of Chinese minerals and limited domestic processing capacity. To address these gaps, the Canadian government is working to increase germanium processing in British Columbia, and 5N Plus is using Pentagon funding to process germanium from recycled feedstock in Utah.