Pentagon Cancels $300 Million Lithium Tender Amid Critical Mineral Procurement Challenges
The U.S. Department of Defense, through its Defense Logistics Agency, has canceled a tender to purchase nearly 36 million pounds of battery-grade lithium carbonate, valued at up to $300 million. This decision marks a significant setback for the Administration's efforts to secure critical minerals for the National Defense Stockpile. The tender, initially published in early July, was intended to secure lithium carbonate over the next five years. Despite extending the bid deadline twice, the agency ultimately decided to cancel the solicitation entirely as of August 3, 2026. The Defense Logistics Agency did not provide a specific reason for the cancellation. This follows a similar incident last year when a tender for cobalt, valued at approximately $500 million, was also canceled. 
