Australia and Japan deepen critical minerals collaboration

Multinational

CANBERRA, May 5, 2026 – Australia and Japan have agreed to strengthen their co-operation towards reinforcing supply chains for critical minerals, the countries said in a joint statement on Monday.

Formalised by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and Australian counterpart Anthony Albanese, the agreement aims to address supply chain vulnerabilities in mining, refining and downstream manufacturing in both countries.

“Sharing concerns about the concentration of critical mineral supply chains and its impact on downstream industries, we commit to strengthening collaboration on investment and diversification of critical mineral supply chains,” the joint statement said.

Among the measures contemplated are improved policy co-ordination and a streamlining of regulatory processes, as well as the use of public financing institutions for targeted support.

Australia will provide up to USD 928 million through the Critical Minerals Facility and Export Finance Australia for critical minerals projects involving Japan. In parallel, the Japan Organization for Metals and Energy Security will contribute about USD 264 million in investments and grants.

Priority projects under the initiative include the Lynas Rare Earths Project, the Alcoa Gallium Recovery Project, the Magnium Magnesium Project, the Tivan Fluorite Project, the RZ Resources Critical Minerals Project and the Ardea Resources Kalgoorlie Nickel Project, all in Australia.

Photo of Kalgoorlie Rare Earths Processing Facility courtesy of Lynas Rare Earths

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