Lockheed Martin in talks to buy critical minerals from U.S. and Canadian mines

Lockheed Martin is negotiating to buy scandium and germanium from U.S. and Canadian suppliers, aiming to reduce reliance on China for critical minerals used in military equipment, according to sources. The talks follow President Donald Trump's pressure on defense contractors to secure domestic supply chains. The world's largest defense contractor is in discussions with NioCorp Developments for scandium, used in aircraft alloys, and with Teck Resources and 5N Plus for germanium, used in infrared sensors. A preliminary deal with NioCorp covers 15 metric tons annually from a Nebraska mine slated to open by 2028. Chinese suppliers have historically offered cheaper prices, and U.S. mining and processing capacity remains limited. The U.S. has not mined scandium since 1969 and imports over half its germanium. Negotiations with Teck and 5N have faced hurdles over pricing and contract length.