Lockheed seeks U.S. mineral supplies after Trump supply-chain push, sources say

Aug 4 – Lockheed Martin is in talks to buy supplies of two critical minerals from U.S. mines, two sources familiar with the discussions said, as President Donald Trump pressures defense contractors to cut reliance on China. The world’s largest defense contractor is negotiating with NioCorp Developments for supply of scandium, and Teck Resources and 5N Plus for supply of germanium, both of which are used in military equipment ranging from aircraft components to infrared sensors, the sources said. The deals would mark a significant step in the U.S. push to build domestic mineral supply chains, but face hurdles: Chinese…