The U.S. Department of Defense is seeking to purchase lithium for the nation’s strategic stockpiles, aiming to reduce supply risks for critical minerals, according to multiple reports. Both sources say the planned purchases could total up to $300 million. The effort is framed as part of broader U.S. efforts to secure access to critical raw materials and limit vulnerabilities in the supply chain. The reports do not provide additional details on contract structure, specific suppliers, shipment timing, or which lithium forms or grades are targeted. The coverage emphasizes that the purchases relate to strategic stockpiling rather than ordinary procurement, and that the objective is to bolster resilience for future needs. Overall, the reporting aligns on the central points: the Defense Department is looking to buy lithium, the amount could reach $300 million, and the rationale is to strengthen the supply of a critical mineral.