LMT · News · 20260804N

Supply Chain Constraints

LOCKHEED MARTIN CORP · 2026-08-04 · Importance 34 · Surprise 42

Lockheed Martin is pursuing domestic sources for critical minerals used in military manufacturing, including discussions involving Teck Resources and NioCorp Developments. Under a nonbinding MOU, Lockheed Martin could purchase up to 15 tonnes per year of scandium oxide or aluminum-scandium alloys from NioCorp for 10 years. The proposed supply would come from NioCorp’s Elk Creek Critical Minerals Project in Nebraska and is intended to reduce reliance on foreign, particularly Chinese, sources for aerospace and defense materials.

Key facts

• Lockheed Martin and NioCorp signed a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding for the potential purchase of up to 15 tonnes per year of scandium oxide for 10 years. source
• Multiple reports state Lockheed Martin is in discussions with Teck Resources and NioCorp Developments to secure critical minerals (reported by Reuters / Moomoo on 2026-08-04). source