IperionX Accelerates U.S. Titanium Output with $12.5M Defense Boost
IperionX secures a $12.5 million funding tranche from the U.S. Department of Defense to fast-track expansion of its Virginia titanium manufacturing capacity beyond 1,000 metric tons annually.
- U.S. DoD commits $12.5M to scale titanium production at Virginia campus
- Total $47.1M award supports resilient, low-cost U.S. titanium supply chain
- IperionX to co-invest $48.1M, extending project timeline to 30 months
- Focus on capital equipment for deoxygenation, sintering, and powder metallurgy
- Titan Critical Minerals Project feasibility study progressing in Tennessee
Strategic U.S. Defense Investment
IperionX Limited, a leading titanium and critical minerals producer, has received a $12.5 million funding obligation from the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) as part of a broader $47.1 million contract. This latest tranche is earmarked to accelerate the expansion of titanium production capacity at IperionX’s Virginia Titanium Manufacturing Campus, aiming to surpass 1,000 metric tons per year.
The funding is a clear signal of the U.S. government’s commitment to strengthening domestic supply chains for critical materials, particularly titanium, which is vital for aerospace, defense, and advanced manufacturing sectors. By supporting a low-cost, fully integrated mineral-to-metal titanium supply chain, the DoD is addressing strategic vulnerabilities exposed by global supply disruptions.
Scaling Up Production Capacity
The $12.5 million will be directed toward purchasing long-lead, major capital equipment essential for the next phase of capacity scale-up. Key investments include titanium deoxygenation systems, sintering and powder metallurgy consolidation technologies, and near-net-shape component manufacturing infrastructure. These upgrades are designed to enhance both volume and quality of titanium products, positioning IperionX as a critical domestic supplier.
This funding follows an earlier $5 million obligation supporting the Titan Critical Minerals Project in Tennessee, which is progressing toward shovel-ready status with a definitive feasibility study expected in the first half of 2026. The total DoD funding commitment under this contract now stands at $17.5 million, with an additional $29.6 million anticipated over the contract term.
Partnership and Investment Scale
Alongside the government funding, IperionX is committing $48.1 million of its own capital to the project, reflecting a combined investment of $95.2 million. The performance period has been extended from 24 to 30 months to accommodate the expanded scope, underscoring the company’s confidence in the project’s strategic importance and technical feasibility.
CEO Anastasios (Taso) Arima emphasized the significance of this partnership, stating that the DoD’s commitment validates IperionX’s technology and mission to reshore a resilient American titanium supply chain. The modular scale-up approach aims to meet growing defense and commercial demand with high-performance titanium alloys produced at lower energy, cost, and carbon emissions.
Looking Ahead
As IperionX advances its expansion plans, the company is poised to become a cornerstone of U.S. critical materials independence. The successful execution of this scale-up will not only enhance domestic manufacturing capabilities but also reduce reliance on foreign sources for titanium, a metal integral to national security and advanced technologies.
Investors and industry watchers will be keenly observing the procurement of capital equipment and the ramp-up of production capacity at the Virginia campus, as these milestones will be critical indicators of progress and potential market impact.
Bottom Line?
IperionX’s accelerated titanium scale-up backed by U.S. defense funding marks a pivotal step toward reshaping America’s critical materials landscape.
Questions in the middle?
- How quickly can IperionX ramp production to exceed 1,000 metric tons annually?
- What are the risks that could delay or reduce remaining DoD funding obligations?
- How will this expansion impact IperionX’s competitive position in the global titanium market?
