Strategic Summary
New initiatives in the U.S. are accelerating efforts to shore up supply chains for lesser‑known minerals. The Defense Logistics Agency is reactivating stockpiles of bismuth, a metal heavily reliant on Chinese supply. Meanwhile, former U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo is pressuring for faster expansion of allied supply chains in rare earths and copper, warning of national security risks. These moves reinforce the emergence of “critical minerals as strategic infrastructure.”
Key Points
DLA To Procure Bismuth for Defense Stockpiles
The U.S. Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) intends to acquire over 5 million pounds of high‑purity (99.99%) bismuth over the next five years to replenish national defense reserves. Initial procurement will begin with ~1.23 million pounds in Year One, tapering to ~854,000 pounds in Year Five. All production, sampling, and delivery must be within continental U.S.
https://www.reuters.com/world/china/us-agency-tenders-buy-bismuth-defense-stockpiles-2025-09-15/ Reuters
Pompeo Calls for Faster Supply Chain Moves
Mike Pompeo, now a board member at copper miner ACG Metals and an adviser to USA Rare Earth, publicly urged the U.S. to accelerate securing mineral supply chains—rare earths, copper, niche metals—especially from allied nations. He emphasized broader international cooperation with partners such as Canada, South Korea, and Japan.
https://www.ft.com/content/20c5ccc7-8df1-4cf3-86a1-d3a8851e99ea Financial Times
Why It Matters
Low‑Profile Metals Rising in Strategic Importance
Bismuth is not often in headlines, but its role in defense and metallurgy, combined with its supply concentration in China, makes it a key risk point. The U.S.’s move signals prioritization of supply chain gaps beyond the “usual suspects.”Geopolitical Risk Highlighted by Leadership Voices
Pompeo’s push underscores how supply chain security for critical minerals has become a central theme in U.S. foreign policy—not just trade or environment.Domestically Anchored Procurement Gains Traction
The requirement that supply be U.S.‑based for bismuth means jobs, verification, and less reliance on external sources—all aligning with broader industrial policy goals.
Watchlist Companies & Entities
Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) — Monitor contract awards and domestic bismuth producers’ capacity.
Homepage: https://www.dla.milACG Metals — Copper miner; Pompeo serves on their board, they could benefit from increased supply chain advocacy.
Homepage: https://acgmetals.com/USA Rare Earth — Advising and operating in rare earths; may gain from shifting policies.
Homepage: https://www.usare.comMP Materials — A major rare earth producer in the U.S.; may see downstream benefit from the broader advocacy of rare earth supply security.
Homepage: https://mpmaterials.com
Critical Minerals Spotlight
Bismuth — Now back on the radar of national security and defense supply‑chains. Vulnerable to disruption due to concentrated global supply.
Rare Earths & Copper — Continues to be central in the shifting policy landscape; advocacy and investment are increasing.
Action Points
Track DLA tender details: supplier eligibility, purity requirements, and timelines for first deliveries.
Watch legislative or executive moves following Pompeo’s statements—possible incentives, export controls, or trade deals involving allied supply lines.
Monitor USA Rare Earth, ACG Metals, MP Materials, and other producers for strategic announcements, filings, or capacity expansions tied to these policy signals.
This briefing is for informational purposes only and is not legal, investment, or policy advice. Information is believed accurate at time of publication. Sources are publicly available.