The US Department of Defense and the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) released a tender document outlining a major cobalt procurement plan. Over the next five years, the US intends to purchase approximately 7,480 tons of alloy-grade cobalt, with a total contract value of up to US$500 million.

Cobalt is recognized as a critical raw material for modern industry. It plays a vital role in the production of batteries, high-temperature alloys for aircraft engines, and components for gas turbines. Currently, the US remains heavily reliant on imports of cobalt.