冷战以来首度采购！美国防部拟5亿美元囤积关键金属钴

Core Viewpoint - The U.S. Department of Defense plans to purchase cobalt for the first time in decades to strengthen domestic supply of critical metals, with a procurement of up to 7,500 tons valued at $500 million over the next five years [1][2]. Group 1: Procurement Details - The Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) is seeking bids from three suppliers for alloy-grade cobalt: Vale, Sumitomo Metal Mining, and Glencore's Nikkelverk plant [2]. - The DLA's procurement marks a strategic shift, as it has been a seller of cobalt since the 1990s, selling off large reserves accumulated during the Cold War [1][2]. - The procurement is expected to intervene in the cobalt market, with the planned purchase amounting to approximately one-sixth of the alloy-grade cobalt supply outside of China [1]. Group 2: Market Impact - Cobalt prices have already risen by 42% this year due to an export ban imposed by the Democratic Republic of Congo, the largest cobalt producer [2]. - The DLA's ability to procure the full 7,500 tons remains uncertain, as there are few suppliers capable of meeting the requirements [2]. - The contract is expected to cost between $2 million and $500 million, with the current market value of 7,500 tons of cobalt estimated at approximately $313 million [2]. Group 3: Legislative Context - The Biden administration has aimed to strengthen procurement of critical minerals, with the National Defense Authorization Act passed at the end of 2023 granting DLA greater autonomy for long-term purchases without prior congressional approval [3]. - Since July 30, the DLA has issued over six procurement solicitations for critical materials, including niobium, graphite, and antimony, all of which are dominated by China [3]. - The number of material procurement solicitations by the U.S. Department of Defense this fiscal year has reached the highest level since the end of the Cold War [4].