Austrade has launched its largest Australian Critical Minerals Prospectus to date, showcasing 94 investment-ready projects as the nation looks to strengthen its position in global critical minerals supply chains.
The latest edition includes 29 new projects that have achieved the required milestones for inclusion since February, including 20 upstream projects. The additions reflect the growing breadth of Australia’s critical minerals sector and expanded investment opportunities.
The prospectus also features nine new midstream projects, which cover the processing and refining stages of critical minerals production, bringing the total number of projects in this category to 36.
Federal resources minister Madeleine King said the projects represented opportunities to expand Australia’s role in supplying critical minerals and rare earths.
“Australia has the resources, expertise, and capability to be a world leader in critical minerals and rare earths, and with 94 investment-ready projects located across every Australian state, we have a responsibility to help build the secure and reliable supply chains the world needs,” King said.
“The addition of 29 new projects to the Australian Critical Minerals Prospectus demonstrates the growing strength of our critical minerals sector, and the opportunities for investment right across the supply chain.”
The prospectus was launched on the sidelines of the International Mining and Resources Conference (IMARC), at a reception attended by more than 90 senior Australian and international executives from government and industry.
Federal trade minister Don Farrell said the prospectus helped investors identify opportunities in Australia’s critical minerals industry and access information on government policy and support.
“The Australian Government is committed to securing a resilient and sustainable critical minerals supply chain,” Farrell said.
“The Prospectus will help build this supply chain, showcasing investment-ready projects which in turn will create jobs in communities across Australia.”
The Australian Government is building a network of international agreements intended to strengthen critical minerals security, including the Australia–United States Climate, Critical Minerals and Clean Energy Transformation Compact, the United States–Australia Framework for Securing the Supply of Critical Minerals and Rare Earths, and the G7 Leaders’ Declaration on Securing Supply Chains for Critical Minerals.