The US Defense Department is seeking information for the potential stockpiling of five critical minerals, as the country steps up efforts to reduce risks in the supply chain and bolster domestic feedstock.
The Defense Logistics Agency on Wednesday issued notices seeking information for lithium, nickel, tin, chromium and tellurium respectively, including details of interested vendors, products specifications, sources of materials and market conditions, according to notices published on the website Wednesday. The DLA is responsible for managing the National Defense Stockpile, which secures metals for US military needs.
The Pentagon’s requests came as the procurement of metals has become a political priority for the US in order to slash reliance on Chinese supplies. Most recently, the White House announced Project Vault, a $12 billion stockpiling initiative for the private sector.
The agency said it is making inquiries ahead of the potential acquisition for 550 tons of lithium carbonate, 3,500 tons of nickel, 1,978 tons of London Metal Exchange-grade tin, 37 tons of tellurium and 4,500 short tons of chromium. It also made inquiries about the reprocessing or remelting of 1,978 tons of tin ingots affected by so-called tin pest, a phenomenon where the metal degrades into a powdered form in cold temperatures. That amount of tin would cost nearly $100 million, based on LME prices.
The DLA said the notices are for planning purposes only and the deadline to submit the responses is by March 19, adding that companies responded should not expect to receive feedback regarding submissions.
(By Annie Lee)
