# US Defense Expands Critical Minerals Procurement

The U.S. Department of Defense and affiliated federal agencies have significantly increased procurement and funding initiatives targeting critical minerals essential for defense applications. In 2026, there is a marked rise in mining companies, particularly from Canada and Australia, pursuing U.S. stock listings and contracts aligned with Pentagon demand to support domestic supply chains and reduce reliance on foreign sources such as China. Notably, Guardian Metal Resources secured $6.2 million in Department of Defense Production Act Title III funding with an additional $100 million request, while United States Antimony was awarded a $245 million Defense Logistics Agency contract to supply antimony for the defense stockpile. Victory Metals' entry into the U.S. Defense Industrial Base Consortium further exemplifies international collaboration to diversify and strengthen critical mineral supply chains for defense and advanced manufacturing.

- **Key agencies involved:** Department of Defense (DoD), Defense Logistics Agency (DLA), and U.S. Export-Import Bank
- **Significant contracts and funding:** $245 million DLA contract for antimony supply; $6.2 million DoD Production Act funding plus $100 million request by Guardian Metal Resources
- **Strategic supplier participation:** Canadian and Australian mining firms increasing U.S. listings and direct engagement with U.S. defense procurement, including Victory Metals joining the Defense Industrial Base Consortium
- **Why this matters:** Procurement professionals should anticipate growing opportunities in critical minerals sourcing and processing, with emphasis on compliance with defense requirements and alignment with U.S. supply chain diversification policies
- **Actionable insights:** Contractors and suppliers should evaluate partnerships with mining firms engaged in defense contracts, consider implications of increased capital market activity in this sector, and prepare for evolving contract requirements focused on critical mineral security and domestic production

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Defense & Military, Energy & Utilities
**Topics:** Grants & Funding, Contracting Vehicles
**Published:** May 28, 2026

### Government Entities
- Pentagon
- Defense Logistics Agency (DLA)
- U.S. Export-Import Bank
- United States Department of Defense (DoD)

### Vendors
- Guardian Metal Resources (mining company)
- United States Antimony (contract awardee)
- Victory Metals (prime contractor)
- REalloy Inc (mining company)
- Rare Earth Americas (mining company)

### Key Quotes
> Our goal is to cover direct defense demand for tungsten.
> — Oliver Friesen, CEO, Guardian Metal Resources

### Sources
- [Defense-driven demand powers surge in US listings by mining firms](https://www.defensenews.com/industry/2026/05/27/defense-driven-demand-powers-surge-in-us-listings-by-mining-firms) - Defense News
- [Victory joins US defence consortium - Mining Magazine Australia](https://miningmagazine.com.au/victory-joins-us-defence-consortium) - Mining Magazine Australia
- [8 mining firms are pursuing US dual listings in 2026 vs 3 in 2025, all pitching Pentagon end-use. Guardian Metal: $6.2M DPA Title III plus a $100M + ask. US Antimony: $245M DLA contract. Defense capital is now the cleanest path for critical minerals.

https://t.co/ZL3h6wKEjG](https://x.com/EdgeExploration/status/2059877105874211100) - twitter-defense