Apollo Silver has secured membership in the U.S. Defense Industrial Base Consortium, a Department of Defense-supported initiative focused on critical mineral supply chains. The company’s Calico Project in the United States features silver, barite, and zinc—key minerals essential to modern defense and industrial applications.
Apollo Silver Accepted into U.S. Defense Industrial Base Consortium
Key Takeaways:
- Apollo Silver is accepted into the U.S. Defense Industrial Base Consortium (DIBC).
- Silver, barite, and zinc are recognized as critical minerals for U.S. national security.
- The Calico Project represents one of America’s largest undeveloped silver resources.
- Membership offers Apollo Silver opportunities to engage in federally sponsored initiatives.
- The company’s U.S. presence aligns with the government’s push for secure domestic supply chains.
Membership in the U.S. Defense Industrial Base Consortium
Apollo Silver Corp. (Apollo Silver) has announced its acceptance into the U.S. Defense Industrial Base Consortium (DIBC), a key initiative backed by the U.S. Department of Defense. This membership underscores a national priority: to strengthen domestic supply chains for materials deemed critical to the defense sector.
Why Critical Minerals Matter
The DIBC, focused on strategic and critical materials essential to national defense, recognizes that minerals like silver, barite, and zinc play indispensable roles in advanced technologies, infrastructure, and security systems. By joining this consortium, Apollo Silver taps into a network of industry leaders, research institutions, and government agencies that drive innovations for U.S. defense and national security.
The Calico Project’s Strategic Importance
Apollo Silver’s Calico Project in the United States hosts significant mineralization, including silver, barite, and zinc. These minerals are on the U.S. Geological Survey’s List of Critical Minerals, reflecting their crucial role in sustaining domestic manufacturing, energy systems, and defense capabilities. The project’s undeveloped silver resource—the second largest primary silver deposit in the country—positions Apollo Silver as a key player in bolstering the nation’s critical mineral independence.
Industry Perspective
Ross McElroy, President and CEO of Apollo Silver, remarked on the importance of the consortium membership, stating, “Apollo Silver’s acceptance into the DIBC reflects the growing strategic importance of U.S.-based critical mineral assets, including silver, following its inclusion on the USGS List of Critical Minerals in November 2025.” This development places Apollo Silver at the forefront of efforts to augment supply-chain security and enhance industrial resilience.
Looking Ahead
By joining the DIBC, Apollo Silver gains access to federally sponsored initiatives designed to address supply-chain stability for vital minerals. The company’s focus on silver, barite, and zinc reinforces the U.S. push to secure domestic resources—ensuring that key sectors, from defense to healthcare, can rely on a stable source of vital raw materials for years to come.