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US Department of Defense Launches Third Investment Call for Critical Minerals
Non-Energy Minerals · Other Metals/Minerals · yonhap_finance · 2026-08-25
The US Department of Defense is seeking proposals to expand domestic production of four critical minerals, including indium, to bolster supply chain security.
What Happened
Strengthening Mineral Supply Chains: The US Department of Defense's Defense Industrial Base Consortium (DIBC) has issued a call for investment proposals to expand domestic production of indium, manganese, magnesium, and titanium. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to secure critical materials essential for national defense and advanced manufacturing.
Government-Led Investment: The US government has prioritized domestic mineral production, backed by significant budgetary allocations to support the entire supply chain from extraction to recycling. This marks the third such investment solicitation since last year, reflecting a sustained commitment to industrial self-sufficiency.
Reducing Dependence on China: The move is largely driven by concerns over China's dominance in the processing and refining of critical minerals. By incentivizing domestic production, the US aims to mitigate risks associated with over-reliance on foreign suppliers and potential export controls.
Opportunities for Korean Firms: The focus on indium highlights potential opportunities for companies like Korea Zinc, which is currently pursuing a major smelting project in the United States. As the US actively encourages domestic investment, Korean firms with specialized capabilities are positioned to play a role in this strategic expansion.