US-Australia Sign $8.5 Billion Critical Minerals Deal

The US and Australia have signed a deal to boost supplies of rare earths and other critical minerals, aiming to counter China's dominance in the market. The agreement includes $1bn to be invested in projects in the US and Australia over the next six months and supports a pipeline of $8.5bn 'ready-to-go' projects. The deal is part of the Trump administration's efforts to reduce reliance on China for critical minerals, which are essential for various industries including defense and technology.

The US and Australia have signed a critical minerals deal worth up to $8.5 billion, aimed at reducing the US's reliance on China for rare earth elements. The agreement, signed by President Trump and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, will see the two countries invest in critical minerals projects, streamline permitting processes, and protect domestic markets from unfair trade. The deal comes as China imposes stricter rules on exporting rare earth materials, prompting concerns over its control of the global tech supply chain. The partnership is seen as a significant step in the US's efforts to secure alternative sources of critical minerals and strengthen its alliance with Australia.

The article reports on a massive $8.5 billion critical minerals deal between the US and Australia, aimed at strengthening supply chains for rare earths and strategic metals. The agreement, signed by US President Donald Trump and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, includes funding for multiple projects to boost the supply of key materials used in defense manufacturing and energy security. Australian mining stocks, including Lynas Rare Earths, Iluka Resources, and Pilbara Minerals, surged following the announcement, with smaller firms like VHM and Latrobe Magnesium also making significant gains. The deal is seen as a move to diversify global supply chains amid China's tightened export controls on rare earths and critical minerals.