important INFO... From NCF websiteKEY POINTS FROM THE H. REPT. 118-125 – NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORISATION ACT FOR FISCAL 2024 (118TH CONGRESS, 2023-2024) • Overreliance on China: The Department of Defense relies heavily on China for critical minerals and rare earth elements, posing a national security risk • Defense Industrial Base Vulnerability: Current supply chain visibility remains insufficient to identify and address potential disruptions • Report Required: The Department must provide a report by December 15, 2023 (pending), addressing: Vulnerability reporting requirements for industry partners Feasibility and cost-benefit analysis of improving data collection for top 3 critical minerals Progress and future efforts in diversifying supply chains away from China Elements for a successful partnership with industry to enhance supply chain security
SECURE TUNGSTEN SUPPLY1 : • Committee's Concern: Supply disruptions remain a risk for tungsten ores and concentrates • Briefing Required: The National Defense Stockpile Administrator must brief the Committee by December 31, 2023 (pending), on: Maintaining sufficient tungsten in the stockpile while ensuring non-Chinese feedstocks for US industry A five-year plan for tungsten acquisitions and disposals. Supporting domestic tungsten production BENEFITS: • Enhanced national security by reducing reliance on China – Sisson TungstenMolybdenum Project has the potential to be the largest producer of tungsten outside of China • Increased supply chain visibility and resilience – Canada is considered a domestic source by the US government • Strengthened domestic critical mineral production – All major approvals received, pre-construction conditions currently being addressed, construction start deadline December 2025 • Supporting a close partner and ally, Canada – Sisson Tungsten-Molybdenum Project is located in eastern Canada ACTIONABLE STEPS: • Implement the committee's directives – DPA is currently reviewing Northcliff’s Whitepaper submission (June 2023) for its Title III Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) FA8650-19-S-5010 • Develop and implement a comprehensive strategy for diversifying critical mineral supply chains – Canada is considered a domestic source by the US government • Invest in domestic production and processing capabilities – Production from the Sisson Tungsten-Molybdenum Project could be further processed or used in downstream supply chain activities in the US • Collaborate with allies and partners to secure critical minerals – Canada is considered a domestic source by the US government 1. H. Rept. 118-125 - NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2024, 118th Congress (2023-2024)