US adds scandium oxide to National Defense Stockpile

Scandium Oxide

The US adds scandium oxide to National Defense Stockpile to bolster supply security. The DLA opened bids for multi-year supply. This US adds scandium oxide to National Defense Stockpile step targets semiconductors and advanced electronics.

Procurement details and supplier landscape

The DLA will award fixed-price delivery orders over five years. It seeks an indefinite quantity of scandium oxide. The agency identified Rio Tinto as a North American source. Rio Tinto produces high-purity scandium oxide at Sorel-Tracy, Canada. Only Rio Tinto signaled immediate capability in DLA’s RFI.

Implications for critical minerals and semiconductors

Scandium strengthens aluminum alloys and supports power electronics. Therefore, the decision supports defense and industrial resilience. The DLA also issued RFIs for cobalt, bismuth, high-purity aluminum, niobium, and ferro-niobium. It requested information on scandium metal and scandium flake as well. Rio Tinto began commercial-scale output in May 2022.

The market sees clearer demand signals from US stockpiling. Meanwhile, suppliers can plan capacity and logistics accordingly. Consequently, the US adds scandium oxide to National Defense Stockpile milestone may crowd-in private investment.

The Metalnomist Commentary

Adding scandium oxide to the DNS formalizes a persistent gap in US materials policy. Watch awarded volumes, delivery cadence, and any parallel alloy programs. Together, these will determine whether procurement translates into durable industrial capacity.