US, Australia mark anniversary of critical minerals deal

The U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Australia are celebrating the first anniversary of the United States-Australia Framework for Securing of Supply in the Mining and Processing of Critical Minerals and Rare Earths. The landmark framework was signed by President Donald J. Trump and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on October 20, 2025, at the White House, to unleash the potential of our abundant natural resources – a model for supply chain cooperation globally. “The United States salutes Australia for its efforts to build out critical minerals processing and refining. Through the Critical Minerals Framework and our work in Pax Silica, we are turning commitments into mines, refineries, and jobs,” Under Secretary of State for Economic Affairs Jacob Helberg said. “By building supply chains with trusted partners, we reduce coercive dependencies and strengthen our alliance. This partnership delivers real benefits for the American and Australian people and the companies that power our economies.” Since signing this framework, a number of U.S. companies have begun key projects in Australia, including those that will meet around 10 percent of global gallium and 4 percent to 5 percent of global rare earths demand. These include Alcoa’s gallium recovery project in Western Australia, which broke ground on August 24, and Arafura’s Nolans project in the Northern Territory, for which the ground-breaking was held on October 8. On August 7, the Department of Defense’s Office of Strategic Capital announced a US$400 million conditional loan commitment to Sunrise Energy Metals Limited (Sunrise) in regional New South Wales to build out the company’s scandium operations. By partnering with a trusted ally, this deal advances President Trump’s mandate to secure resilient critical minerals supply chains. U.S. Ambassador to Australia David Brat said the achievements to date show how rapidly allies can act when there is shared expertise, commitment, and trust. “Critical minerals and rare earths have vital applications across defense, advanced technology, and our everyday lives,” Ambassador Brat said. ”Together, Australia and the United States are diversifying the supply chain to ensure no single nation can use this as leverage against us.” Western Australia has 41 of the 50 minerals deemed critical by the U.S. Geological Survey. For Editorial Inquiries Contact: Editor Kym Bergmann at [email protected] For Advertising Inquiries Contact: Group Sales Director Simon Hadfield at [email protected]