US strategic critical minerals procurement process
The developments in this story so far, most recent first.
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· date approximate Development
US Defense Department cancels $300 million lithium purchase tender
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· date approximate Background
The bidding period for the lithium tender was postponed twice.
In mid-July 2026, the bidding period for a Department of Defense tender to purchase battery-grade lithium carbonate had been postponed twice. The tender, which was initially announced on July 2, aimed to acquire 16,000 tons of the material.
The procurement, valued at approximately $300 million, was intended for strategic stockpiles. However, the Defense Logistics Agency later announced the cancellation of the tender without providing an explanation for the decision.
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· date approximate Background
The tender for lithium carbonate was initially announced.
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· date approximate Background
The DLA canceled a tender for cobalt used in batteries and defense.
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