Australia has reinforced its position as a reliable supplier of energy and critical minerals during high-level regional talks on energy security in Tokyo.
Federal Resources Minister Madeleine King was speaking at the Indo-Pacific Energy Security Ministerial and Business Forum, co-hosted by the governments of Japan and the United States, with ministers attending from India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea and Timor-Leste.
King said current geopolitical tensions were highlighting the importance of stable and trusted supply chains for energy and critical minerals.
“Given current events in the Middle East, this forum takes on new importance and urgency,” she told delegates.
“Just as Australian energy has been vital to the long-term security and prosperity of this region, our critical minerals and rare earths will be equally important.”
King highlighted Australia’s capacity to supply the critical minerals and rare earths required for batteries, advanced technologies and defence systems as countries accelerate efforts to reduce emissions and strengthen supply chains.
“We have the natural geology, we have one of the most advanced extractive resources sectors in the world, and we have an unrivalled track record as a reliable and stable supplier of resources,” she said.
King pointed to the development of an alternative rare earths supply chain outside China, citing the growth of Lynas Rare Earths as a key example.
“In response to export bans on rare earths, Japan invested in Lynas and has supported the company for more than a decade,” she said.
“That patient and trusted capital that began in 2012 has now transformed Lynas into the biggest producer of rare earths outside China.
“The payoff for this investment is stability of supply.”
She also highlighted the trilateral investment in the Alcoa–Sojitz Corporation gallium project, supported by Australia, Japan and the United States.
“Australia, Japan and the United States worked together to develop a solution to China banning the export of gallium and in 2025 formally announced the start of this project,” King said.
“Encouraging and nurturing more collaborative investments of this nature is essential.