Pentagon asked defense industrial base consortium for proposals by March 20 to boost mining or processing of nickel, graphite, rare earths and other minerals

The Pentagon's request to the defense industrial base consortium for proposals on boosting the mining and processing of critical minerals indicates a strategic move to secure supply chains amidst rising geopolitical tensions. This could drive demand in the commodities markets, particularly for nickel and rare earths, as the U.S. seeks to reduce dependence on foreign supplies, potentially influencing pricing dynamics in these sectors.