Australia and Japan are elevating cooperation on critical minerals, supporting onshore processing, refining and related advanced manufacturing.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese of Australia and Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi of Japan met in Canberra today and issued the Joint Statement on Critical Minerals Cooperation.
The Joint Statement makes critical minerals a core pillar of our economic and national security relationship and will drive coordinated investment in strategic projects to address the most urgent supply chain vulnerabilities.
This cooperation will build on the existing Australia Japan Critical Minerals Partnership, launched by Prime Minister Albanese in 2022. It will enable greater access to capital and technology, as well as create stronger commercial linkages for Australian producers – matching this with Japanese industry demand.
Our partnership is mutually beneficial and supports our collective economic security and prosperity.
The Australian Government through the Critical Minerals Facility and Export Finance Australia is providing support of up to $1.3 billion, including non-binding Letters of Support, to critical mineral projects with Japanese involvement, creating the potential to supply Japan with critical minerals including gallium, nickel, graphite, rare earths and fluorite.
Quotes attributable to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese
“Japan has been a long-standing partner in the development of Australia’s critical minerals sector.
“By working closely with Japan, we can attract greater investment in our critical minerals sector and further develop the sector, creating jobs and capability in Australia.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong
“Our cooperation with Japan is all about building more resilient and stable supply chains over the long term.
“We both see the tremendous potential in working more closely together to support reliable access to critical minerals.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Trade and Tourism Don Farrell
“We are committed to working with Japan to develop Australia’s critical minerals sector and support resilient supply chains between our countries and in our region.
“Developing our critical minerals is a key national priority under our Future Made in Australia agenda, and we can achieve this by working closely with Japan, a trusted and longstanding partner.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Resources Madeleine King
“Sustained, trusted, constant investment from Japan is a cornerstone of the global powerhouse that is the resources sector of Australia.
“Working together with Japan we are building a new era for our resources sector that will support both our economies and our shared security for generations to come.”