In a landmark development, U.S. President Donald Trump and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese signed a critical minerals partnership on October 21, 2025, at the White House, aiming to secure global supply chains and reduce reliance on China.
The $8.5 billion deal establishes a new mineral supply pipeline focused on lithium, nickel, and rare earth elements, vital for defence, technology, and clean energy sectors. Both countries will contribute $1 billion each within six months to strengthen mining and processing infrastructure.
Key measures include minimum price floors, faster permitting, joint geological mapping, and restrictions on foreign takeovers of critical mineral assets. The U.S. Export-Import Bank (EXIM) also pledged $2.2 billion in support for Australian projects such as Arafura Rare Earths and Northern Minerals.
A notable highlight is the Pentagon-backed gallium refinery in Western Australia, set to challenge China’s export restrictions and reinforce Western control over strategic resources.
This agreement marks a significant stride toward economic security, supply chain diversification, and technological independence for both nations.
