Core Viewpoint - The US has canceled a $500 million tender for cobalt procurement, which was intended to build resilience against critical minerals shortages, following multiple extensions and less than two months after its launch [1]. Group 1: Tender Cancellation - The Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) initially invited bids for up to 7,500 tons of alloy-grade cobalt over five years, marking the first stockpile acquisition since 1990 [1]. - The cancellation was due to unresolved issues with the Statement of Work, with plans to re-issue the solicitation once these issues are addressed [2]. Group 2: Supplier Limitations - Eligible suppliers for the cobalt tender were limited to three producers: Vale SA in Canada, Sumitomo Metal Mining in Japan, and Glencore's Nikkelverk refinery in Norway, indicating a preference for sourcing from allied nations [3]. Group 3: Challenges in Stockpiling - Columbia University's Center on Global Energy Policy highlighted significant challenges in the US stockpiling initiative, emphasizing the need for clarity, strategic alignment, and substantial investment [4][5]. - Concerns were raised about poor storage conditions potentially degrading cobalt's usability over time, which could undermine the value of the stockpile [5]. Group 4: Market Dynamics - Earlier this year, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), which produces approximately 75% of the world's cobalt, banned exports to curb oversupply and increase prices, resulting in a more than doubling of prices [6]. - The DRC has since replaced its export ban with a quota-based system, requiring companies to export their full allocated volumes or risk losing their quotas [7]. Group 5: Future Strategies - The Trump administration is shifting towards equity stakes in strategic industries as a response to market uncertainties, with plans to enhance efforts in controlling critical supply chains rather than solely relying on stockpiles [8][9].