Executive Summary
Armor Mineral Company (AMC) specializes in the **mining, processing, and distribution of boron carbide (B4C)**, a critical mineral essential for the production of advanced armor and defense systems. Boron carbide is a highly refractory material renowned for its lightweight, high hardness, and neutron absorption capabilities, making it indispensable for military, law enforcement, and nuclear applications.
The demand for boron carbide is escalating, driven by its extensive use in **personal armor, military vehicles, spacecraft, nuclear reactors, and as a neutron moderator. Currently China controls over 95% of the global boron carbide supply, leaving the U.S. vulnerable to supply chain disruptions. The Department of Defense (DoD) and The Department of Energy (DOE) has recognized this risk and has committed to sourcing high-quality domestic boron carbide to reduce dependence on foreign supply.
By 2027, the U.S. market for boron carbide is projected to exceed $400 million annually. AMC is positioned to become the sole domestic supplier of boron carbide, directly addressing the critical mineral shortage in the U.S.
Market Opportunity
Strategic Advantage
AMC’s vertical integration allows the company to control the entire boron carbide supply chain, from mining to processing and distribution. The company has established partnerships with Canadian and South American mining entities to secure non-Chinese boron ore, ensuring a stable supply of raw materials. Additionally, AMC has developed proprietary manufacturing processes that produce boron carbide with 87-94% high-grade purity, surpassing industry standards.
AMC has also secured a 500-acre facility in Virginia to serve as the primary site for B4C conversion, with additional production capabilities planned in Nevada. This strategic location is designed to meet the needs of U.S. and allied governments in the event of a conflict with China, ensuring an uninterrupted domestic supply of boron carbide for critical defense applications.
Boron carbide’s unique properties make it ideal for a variety of applications, including:
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Ballistic armor: B4C is used in lightweight, flexible body armor for military and law enforcement.
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Nuclear reactors: Its neutron absorption capability makes it critical for radiation shielding and control rods.
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Space and aircraft: B4C is used in spacecraft and aircraft shielding to protect against high-energy impacts.
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Abrasives and tooling: B4C is one of the hardest materials, used for precision cutting and grinding.
Applications & Uses
Solution & Innovation
To mitigate the risk of supply chain disruptions, AMC has developed a new method for producing high-grade boron carbide, significantly reducing fracture rates and improving ballistic performance. This innovation enhances the reliability and performance of B4C in defense applications, offering increased resistance to harmonic fractures and ballistic impacts.
AMC has received an invitation to submit a proposal under the DoD Title 3 provision, which could unlock over $200 million in government funding to further scale its operations.
Capitalization & Financials
AMC is currently seeking equity investment, portioned over two years with performance milestones, to scale its operations and meet U.S. government demand. This investment will be used to:
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Build out mining and processing operations.
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Develop a U.S. stockpile of boron carbide for defense applications.
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Expand sales to non-DoD markets, including nuclear, aerospace, and industrial sectors.
With the support of this investment, AMC will ensure the U.S. has a secure, domestic source of boron carbide, critical for national defense and infrastructure.