The company behind a Southeast Nebraska rare earths mine has signed a deal with defense contractor Lockheed Martin. Niocorp, currently building a rare earth minerals mine near Elk Creek in Johnson County, announced a non binding memorandum of understanding to supply Lockheed with up to 15 tons a year of scandium oxide over the next ten years. According to Reuters, Lockheed Martin is also negotiating with two other companies on supplies of germanium. Once its mine near Elk Creek is fully operational near 2028, NioCorp plans to produce approximately 100 tons a year of scandium oxide annually. Currently, much of the world’s supply of scandium is found in China, Russia, and Ukraine. The deals with the three companies are significant steps to build domestic supply chains for rare earth minerals. Lockheed makes the F-35 Lightning II fighter jet, Patriot interceptor missiles and other weaponry for the U.S. government. Scandium will be used to create aluminum alloys that are lighter and stronger, enhancing U.S. air defense capabilities. Scandium has not been mined in the US since 1969, and the only scandium producing mine in North America is located in Quebec, producing 9 tons a year.