Australia aims to be West's critical mineral partner

Significance Australia’s rich geological endowment, together with extensive mining experience and a deeply rooted democratic tradition, make it a strong supply-chain partner not only regionally but also for the United States and the EU. However, as the government in Canberra recognises, more work is needed to develop its critical minerals sector. Impacts Chinese embargoes on shipments of graphite are encouraging development of the commodity by several Australian companies. WA1, a Sydney-listed company, has discovered niobium in Western Australia, potentially easing Brazil’s grip on this strategic mineral. Australian spending plans to map out new critical mineral deposits over the next decade will not be affected by next year’s election.