Global Advanced Metals (GAM), a leading global producer of metallurgical products, announced a new partnership with the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) to re-establish defense-critical niobium oxide production. The project, supported by a $26.4 million award from the Manufacturing Capability Expansion and Investment Prioritization directorate, leverages GAM’s existing tantalum production in Boyertown, Pennsylvania.
The DOD’s capital contribution will accelerate the development of the United States’ first niobium oxide production in over 30 years. Niobium oxide is a precursor to high-purity superalloys in advanced aircraft, rocket systems, and various other defense platforms. GAM’s public-private partnership forms a key component of the DOD’s ongoing efforts to solidify the U.S. aerospace and defense industrial base.
“GAM is proud to contribute to strengthening U.S. and allied capability by mitigating supply vulnerabilities previously exploitable by our adversaries,” said GAM’s CEO, Andrew O’Donovan. “Every opportunity to decrease adversarial influence over defense supply chains should be taken, and we are delighted that the DOD chose to support GAM in this endeavor.”
“Pennsylvania has built and powered our Nation for generations, so it’s no surprise that workers in Berks County will soon produce critical minerals to make the aircraft, rocket systems, and other equipment our military needs to ensure our national security,” said U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA). “I advocated for our Commonwealth to tackle this critical mineral risk so that we can continue the proud tradition of supporting our warfighters and the Department of Defense as a whole.”
“As a former chemistry teacher and Air Force officer, I’ve been championing efforts on critical mineral supply chains and the importance of bringing related manufacturing back to the U.S. since I first arrived in Congress,” said U.S. Congresswoman Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA). “So when I visited Global Advanced Metals (GAM) in Berks County last year, I was in awe of their state-of-the-art operations — I knew GAM and companies like them have the blueprint we need to reduce reliance on countries like China for critical minerals. I’m so thrilled to hear GAM is receiving a $26.4 million award for niobium processing and manufacturing of defense-critical materials! With this federal investment, more jobs in our community will be created and our national security will be strengthened.”
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