Pentagon Strikes Deal With Canada’s 5N Plus; Shares Surge 19%

The US Department of Defensemade an $18 million investment in Canada’s 5N Plus Inc. to help the company expand refining capacity for germanium metal, which is used in night-vision systems and other applications. The shares soared 19%.

“Our warfighters depend on next-generation optics for surveillance, reconnaissance and targeting, and germanium is a key element in their manufacture,” Mike Cadenazzi, a Pentagon official, said in a statement announcing the deal.

The US has been looking to secure supplies of critical minerals to reduce risks and lower the country’s reliance on China. Since 2024, it has unlocked more than $60 million ...