Australia and Japan strengthen critical minerals supply chain cooperation

Australia and Japan have expanded cooperation on critical minerals through a new Joint Statement on Critical Minerals Cooperation announced during talks in Canberra between Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi.

The agreement positions critical minerals as a central component of the Australia-Japan economic and national security relationship. The initiative focuses on strengthening supply chains through coordinated investment in strategic mineral projects, including onshore processing, refining, and advanced manufacturing.

The cooperation builds on the Australia Japan Critical Minerals Partnership launched in 2022. According to the Australian government, the expanded framework is intended to improve access to capital and technology while strengthening commercial ties between Australian producers and Japanese industry.

Australia’s Critical Minerals Facility and Export Finance Australia are supporting projects involving Japanese participation with up to $1.3 billion in funding support, including non-binding Letters of Support. The projects could supply Japan with minerals including gallium, nickel, graphite, rare earths, and fluorite.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said Japan has been a longstanding partner in the development of Australia’s critical minerals sector and that closer cooperation could help attract additional investment while expanding domestic industry capability and jobs.

Minister for Resources Madeleine King said continued Japanese investment is supporting the next phase of growth in Australia’s resources sector and strengthening long-term economic and security cooperation between the two countries.