Raw materials are becoming increasingly politicized, and both nations are committing financial resources.
Australia and Japan have agreed to deepen their economic cooperation, with a particular focus on the raw materials sector. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and his Japanese counterpart Sanae Takaichi released several statements on Monday in Canberra outlining this initiative. These statements highlight projects considered especially important for securing Japan’s supply of critical materials.
In addition to the rare earths company Lynas, the list includes producers of materials such as gallium and magnesium, many of which already collaborate with Japanese firms. Australia and Japan first established a raw materials partnership in 2022, which is now being strengthened through improved information exchange and, notably, increased financial support for strategic projects.
Tokyo is currently stepping up efforts to build new supply chains for critical raw materials. This push has gained urgency following China’s tightened export restrictions in January on dual-use goods destined for Japan.
Meanwhile, Australia aims to significantly expand its role in global supply networks, thereby also enhancing Western access to rare earths and other essential raw materials.
Photo: Aflo Images via Canva, montage rawmaterials.net
