IperionX has received the last $4.6 million tranche of a $47.1 million U.S. Department of War award and 290 metric tons of titanium scrap, advancing its plan to scale titanium production in Virginia.
- Final $4.6 million tranche received from U.S. Department of War
- 290 metric tons of titanium scrap transferred at no cost
- Scale-up to 1,400 metric tons per annum titanium production planned
- Funding supports U.S. defense supply chain resilience
- Titanium Manufacturing Campus in Virginia central to expansion
Final Funding Boosts Titanium Production Ambitions
IperionX Limited, a key player in titanium and critical minerals, has secured the final $4.6 million tranche of a $47.1 million funding award from the U.S. Department of War (DoW). This funding, provided through the Industrial Base Analysis and Sustainment (IBAS) program, is earmarked to support the scale-up of titanium production at IperionX’s Titanium Manufacturing Campus in Virginia.
The company aims to increase its titanium output to 1,400 metric tons per annum, a significant jump from its current capacity of 200 metric tons. This scale-up is part of a broader strategy to establish a resilient, low-cost, and domestically secure titanium supply chain critical for U.S. defense and advanced manufacturing sectors.
Strategic Titanium Scrap Transfer
Alongside the funding, the U.S. Government has transferred approximately 290 metric tons of high-quality titanium alloy scrap to IperionX at no cost. This amount represents about 1.5 years’ worth of titanium feedstock at the company’s current full operating capacity. The scrap metal transfer underscores the government’s commitment to supporting domestic titanium production and reducing reliance on imports.
Currently, IperionX holds around 90 metric tons of titanium scrap in inventory, exclusive of this new transfer. The additional feedstock will provide a substantial buffer and resource base as the company advances its manufacturing capabilities.
Implications for U.S. Defense and Industry
The IBAS program’s backing of IperionX reflects a strategic priority to reinforce the U.S. defense industrial base by securing critical materials like titanium. Titanium’s importance spans aerospace, space exploration, defense, automotive, and additive manufacturing industries, making a reliable domestic supply chain vital.
Previous funding tranches totaling $42.5 million have already supported long-lead equipment procurement and advanced the Titan Critical Minerals Project in Tennessee to shovel-ready status. With all funding obligations now fulfilled, IperionX is positioned to accelerate its production scale-up and technology deployment.
While the announcement does not specify exact timelines for reaching full production capacity, the planning and design phases are underway, signalling progress toward operational expansion.
Looking Ahead
IperionX’s patented metal technologies aim to produce titanium alloys with lower energy consumption, cost, and carbon emissions, aligning with broader sustainability goals. The company’s ability to commercialise these innovations at scale will be critical to meeting both government and industry demand.
As the U.S. government continues to prioritise supply chain resilience, IperionX’s developments will be closely watched by investors and defence stakeholders alike.
Bottom Line?
IperionX’s final government funding and titanium scrap transfer mark a pivotal step toward a secure U.S. titanium supply chain.
Questions in the middle?
- When will IperionX achieve full 1,400 tpa production capacity at its Virginia campus?
- How will the titanium scrap inventory impact production costs and margins?
- What further government contracts or funding might support IperionX’s expansion?