Australia, France seek closer critical minerals ties

Australia and France have signed an agreement to study critical minerals supply chains and identify batteries and rare earth magnets' needs in both countries.

"The joint study will also look at what the governments of France and Australia can do to overcome obstacles to secure stable supply chains for critical minerals," said the minister for resources and northern Australia Madeleine King.

King signed the agreement with France's minister for energy transition Agnes Pannier-Runacher. The joint study is expected to be completed by the end of this year.

The announcement follows King drawing attention to the need for the EU not to restrain Australia's incentives for developing its own critical minerals industry as Canberra plans to process more of its mineral resources onshore.

The country's federal treasurer Jim Chalmers in June during a conference advocated the need for a more diverse critical mineral supply chain and that "a combination of pragmatic international co-operation and competition can jointly accelerate the energy transition".

"Australia has abundant reserves of critical minerals and our critical minerals strategy sets out the pathway for Australia to diversify global supply chains and become a globally significant supplier by 2030," King said on 28 September.

The Australian federal government in June unveiled its critical minerals strategy, which includes A$500mn ($318mn) of funding through the Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility. It also plans to establish the National Reconstruction Fund to support critical minerals projects and value-add initiatives.

The Australian government currently defines critical minerals as minerals such as lithium, magnesium, cobalt, silicon (see table).

Australian prime minister Anthony Albanese on 15 September said the government will "shortly" release its first national battery strategy, which will outline actions to address barriers and opportunities to boost investment in Australia's battery manufacturing industry.

By Joseph Ho

Australia critical minerals list

Antimony

Beryllium

Bismuth

Cobalt

Gallium

Germanium

Hafnium

Lithium

Magnesium

Manganese

Niobium

Platinum group elements

Scandium

Silicon

Tantalum

Titanium

Tungsten

Vanadium

High-purity alumina

Chromium

Graphite

Indium

Zirconium

Helium

Rare earth elements

Rhenium

Source: Australia's Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources' critical minerals office

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