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This table presents detailed information on the quantities of beryllium materials held within the U.S. Government National Defense Stockpile, expressed in metric tons of beryllium content. Such data is critical for understanding the availability and management of this strategic metal, which plays a vital role in national defense and advanced technology sectors due to its unique properties like lightweight strength and thermal stability. Monitoring stockpile levels helps ensure that the U.S. maintains a reliable supply of beryllium for defense applications, mitigating risks associated with supply disruptions and supporting industrial readiness.
The data for 2022 indicates that the annual materials plan for beryllium metal was set at 7 metric tons, with no recorded inventory available as of December 31. Notably, no quantities of beryl ore or specific forms of beryllium metal such as hot-pressed powder, rods, structural powder, or vacuum-cast materials were reported in stockpile inventories. This absence of inventory data suggests either a drawdown of existing stock or a transition in stockpile management strategies. The relatively small planned acquisition volume underscores the specialized and tightly controlled nature of beryllium resources within the defense stockpile framework.
| TABLE 2 | |||||
| U.S. GOVERNMENT NATIONAL DEFENSE STOCKPILE BERYLLIUM STATISTICS IN 20221 | |||||
| (Metric tons, beryllium content) | |||||
| Annual | |||||
| Materials | Inventory, | ||||
| Material | Plan | December 31 | |||
| Beryl ore2 | -- | (3) | |||
| Beryllium metal: | |||||
| Hot-pressed powder | (4) | NA | |||
| Rods | -- | NA | |||
| Structural powder | -- | NA | |||
| Vacuum-cast | (4) | NA | |||
| Total | 7 | NA | |||
| Grand total | 7 | NA | |||
NA Not available. -- Zero.
1Table includes data available through May 8, 2023. Data were converted from gross weight reported in short tons; may not add to total shown.
2Based on a beryllium content of 4%.
3Less than ½ unit.
4Annual Materials Plan for beryllium metal included under “Total.”
Source: Defense Logistics Agency Strategic Materials.
Source: United States Geological Survey Mineral Resources Program
See also: Beryllium statistics | Mineral commodity prices