The United States (U.S.) and the Commonwealth of Australia (Australia) have signed a Framework for Securing Supply in the Mining and Processing of Critical Minerals and Rare Earths. The agreement aims to reinforce industrial and defense resilience by expanding joint investment, accelerating project development, and safeguarding mineral markets from unfair trade practices. Both nations plan to leverage domestic mining capacity and invest in new production expected to come online by 2026.
WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF THE FRAMEWORK?
The Framework establishes a shared policy foundation to strengthen the mining, separation, and processing of critical minerals and rare earth elements vital to advanced technologies and defense manufacturing. It commits both nations to use economic policy tools, financing mechanisms, and regulatory cooperation to ensure consistent, diversified, and secure mineral supply across the U.S. and Australia.
“Cooperation on critical minerals and rare earth supply chains is testament to the trusted partnership between Australia and the United States as strategic defence allies.”
The Honorable Anthony Albanese MP | Prime Minister of Australia
HOW WILL THE FRAMEWORK SUPPORT MINING AND PROCESSING PROJECTS?
Within six months, the U.S. and Australia plan to deliver at least one billion dollars in financing for qualified mining and processing projects in each country. Eligible projects must produce minerals or refined products destined for delivery within the two markets. The Framework enables a mix of government and private sector support, including guarantees, loans, equity investment, offtake arrangements, insurance, and permitting facilitation. A Mining, Minerals, and Metals Investment Ministerial will convene within 180 days to promote new opportunities and accelerate capital commitments.
WHAT CHANGES ARE EXPECTED FOR PERMITTING AND REGULATION?
Both governments will take measures to streamline domestic permitting processes for critical minerals and rare earth projects. This includes accelerating review timelines and aligning regulatory requirements while maintaining compliance with existing environmental and legal standards. The intent is to reduce administrative delays that can hinder investment and production expansion.
HOW WILL PRICING AND MARKET FAIRNESS BE ADDRESSED?
To protect domestic industries from non-market practices, the U.S. and Australia will coordinate the creation of standards-based pricing systems for critical minerals and rare earths. These may include mechanisms such as price floors or structured trading frameworks to stabilize markets and encourage transparent, fair-value exchanges. The participants also intend to engage international partners in developing a global approach to future pricing challenges.
WHAT OTHER INITIATIVES ARE INCLUDED IN THE FRAMEWORK?
Additional measures include:
- Joint geological mapping in both countries and selected global regions to identify new mineral resources.
- Expanded investment in mineral recycling and scrap management technologies.
- Creation of a U.S.–Australia Critical Minerals Supply Security Response Group, led by the U.S. Secretary of Energy and the Australian Minister for Resources, to identify supply vulnerabilities and coordinate rapid response actions.
- Development of policies to review and deter asset sales that may pose national security risks.
WHAT ARE THE NEXT STEPS FOR IMPLEMENTATION?
Each country’s designated authorities will manage project evaluation and post-project analysis under their respective domestic laws. The Framework also establishes a mechanism for consultation, allowing either party to request meetings within ten days to address progress or implementation issues.
While not a legally binding agreement, the Framework formalizes a coordinated action plan designed to ensure that both nations maintain secure, transparent, and resilient supply networks for critical minerals and rare earths essential to industrial and defense applications.
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