The Federal Government is positioning Australia as a global leader in critical minerals production, launching a new prospectus aimed at attracting international investment.
The Australian Critical Minerals Prospectus highlights 49 mines and 29 midstream processing projects ready for investment. It is intended to create jobs and establish new supply chains with partner nations, while supporting the production of clean energy and bolstering the defence industry.
Federal Resources Minister Madeleine King unveiled the Prospectus in Washington DC, where she attended Critical Minerals Ministerial meetings led by the United States Government.
“Australia has a responsibility to lead on the production of critical minerals and rare earths globally,” King said. “Australia has the deposits and the know-how to develop critical minerals projects reliably, sustainably and at scale. We have the expertise and world-leading labour and environmental standards. This Government is determined to position Australia at the front of global efforts to grow secure supplies of critical minerals and rare earths for our friends and partners.”
The initiative is supported by a pipeline of investment secured through the United States–Australia Framework for Securing Supply in the Mining and Processing of Critical Minerals and Rare Earths, signed last October. Direct support is also provided through the $1.2 billion Critical Minerals Strategic Reserve, the $4 billion Critical Minerals Facility, and the Critical Minerals Production Tax Incentive.
Minister for Trade and Tourism Don Farrell said Australia’s abundant deposits and processing expertise presented “an invaluable economic opportunity that the Federal Government stands ready to seize.”
“Our Government is committed to building a stronger resources sector through new investment and export opportunities, such as our recent free trade agreement with the United Arab Emirates,” Farrell added. “The Australian Critical Minerals Prospectus now showcases midstream processing opportunities to international investors, attracting the investment needed to build a future made in Australia and create more high-paying, secure jobs for Australians.”
Critical minerals and rare earths projects are spread across every Australian state and territory, underscoring the sector’s national importance. The Prospectus is interactive and accessible online, offering a clear guide for global investors to engage with Australia’s growing critical minerals industry.
