Vast Resources (VAST) has been admitted to the US Department of Defense-supported Defense Industrial Base Consortium (DIBC) and the Cornerstone Consortium, strengthening its access to US defence, industry and government stakeholders focused on critical mineral supply chain security.
The memberships provide Vast with opportunities to participate in critical materials initiatives, industry events, capability-matching activities, and research and prototyping programmes under the US government's Other Transaction Authority framework.
DIBC, which is managed by Advanced Technology International, has more than 1,500 member organisations spanning industry, academia and government. Its focus includes critical minerals, rare earth elements, energy storage and batteries, microelectronics and other areas considered important to US national security.
Meanwhile, Cornerstone is a US Government-managed Other Transaction Agreement consortium operating under the Department of Defense's Industrial Base Analysis and Sustainment programme. It brings together defence contractors, small businesses, private capital, academic institutions and research organisations to strengthen the US manufacturing and defence industrial base.
Vast's Chief Executive Officer Andrew Prelea said: “Being admitted to the Defense Industrial Base Consortium is a significant milestone for Vast. It reflects the strategic importance of our critical minerals portfolio, particularly in the context of our expansion into Tajikistan as well as the company's existing portfolio of assets in Romania and aligns directly with the urgent need for secure sources of materials essential to defence and industrial applications.
“Membership provides Vast with valuable access to a collaborative network of US defence stakeholders, industry partners, and potential funding and prototyping opportunities under the Other Transaction Authority framework. As we continue advancing our projects and development, this membership enhances our ability to engage with the broader ecosystem focused on strengthening North American supply chain security.”
Vast's portfolio includes minerals such as copper, lead, zinc, silver, antimony and molybdenum, which have applications across defence, aerospace, advanced manufacturing and energy technologies.
The company said the memberships do not guarantee contracts or funding, but provide a structured route to demonstrate the strategic relevance of its assets and engage with initiatives aimed at reducing reliance on non-allied sources of critical minerals.
View from Vox
The memberships strengthen Vast's visibility within the US defence and critical minerals ecosystem. Access to these networks could create opportunities for partnerships, funding and project development as Western governments seek more secure supplies of strategic minerals.