War Department Invests $37.2 Million in U.S. Defense-Grade Copper Foil Production

The U.S. Department of War has awarded Principal Mineral Company Inc. a $37.2 million contract to revitalize domestic defense-grade copper foil production.

The 30-month contract, dated April 27, 2026, aims to strengthen the nation's sole remaining source of defense-grade electrodeposited copper foil, which is used in printed circuit boards and other advanced electronics for military applications.

Camden Copper, a South Carolina facility owned by Principal Mineral, has been identified as the only North American manufacturer of copper foil. The company had acquired the former Denkai America manufacturing facility in April 2025 and relaunched operations after it faced the possibility of closure.

The investment is being made through the Industrial Base Analysis and Sustainment (IBAS) program, which aims to preserve domestic production capacity for materials and components that could create vulnerabilities in the defense supply chain. The Department of War has committed a total of $74.9 million to Camden Copper, highlighting the strategic importance of maintaining access to this specialized manufacturing capability.