US expands search for critical minerals projects for defense gear

From Mining.com

The Trump administration is seeking investment pitches from domestic producers of metals used in fighter jets, night-vision goggles and tank armor. 

The Defense Department’s Defense Industrial Base Consortium distributed a solicitation request to address gaps in homegrown production of indium, manganese, magnesium and titanium. The deadline for submissions is Sept. 17, according to the solicitation released Friday.

Eligible projects can include any part of the supply chain from mining, processing and refining to alloying and recycling. It’s the DIBC’s third investment solicitation involving critical minerals and advanced defense technologies since mid-2025.