WASHINGTON, DC: Lockheed Martin is in talks to secure supplies of two critical minerals from North American producers as President Donald Trump pushes defense contractors to reduce reliance on China for strategic materials, according to two sources familiar with the discussions.

The world's largest defense contractor is negotiating with NioCorp Developments for scandium and with Teck Resources and 5N Plus for germanium, the sources said. Both minerals are used in military equipment, including aircraft components and infrared sensors.

The proposed agreements would mark a significant step in the U.S. effort to strengthen domestic critical mineral supply chains, although they face challenges because Chinese suppliers have traditionally offered lower prices and North American mining and processing capacity remains limited.

Lockheed manufactures the F-35 Lightning II fighter jet, Patriot interceptor missiles and other military equipment for the U.S. government. Last month, Trump signed an executive order making it more difficult for defense contractors to obtain waivers that had allowed them to purchase minerals from China and other restricted foreign suppliers.

Colorado-based NioCorp has signed a preliminary agreement to supply Lockheed with 15 metric tons of scandium annually, according to a source familiar with the agreement and details reviewed by Reuters. The scandium would come from NioCorp's Nebraska mine, which is expected to begin production in 2028 with annual output of about 100 metric tons.

The agreement still needs to be finalized, although the two companies already work together through a Pentagon-funded research program.

"Both companies recognize how important scandium has become to the future of American defense technology," NioCorp CEO Mark Smith said.

Lockheed said it appreciated "the work NioCorp is doing to establish a domestic source of scandium."

Separately, Lockheed is also in talks with Teck Resources and Quebec-based 5N Plus over supplies of germanium, according to a second source familiar with those discussions.

Teck produces zinc and germanium concentrate from its Red Dog mine in Alaska, while 5N Plus earlier this year received Pentagon funding to process recycled germanium feedstock in Utah.

"What Lockheed basically wants is a long-term supply chain security," the second source said. "Because they are under pressure, they really want to know if the supply is coming from China or elsewhere."

Negotiations with both Teck and 5N have been ongoing for more than a year, with pricing and contract length remaining sticking points, the source said.

Teck declined to comment on specific commercial agreements but said it had agreed to work with the Canadian government to increase germanium processing in British Columbia. Representatives for 5N Plus were not immediately available for comment.

Asked about the germanium discussions, Lockheed said it continuously assesses "the global critical minerals supply chain to ensure access to materials that support our customers' missions."