Australia has moved to strengthen cooperation with Japan on critical minerals, with a renewed focus on supporting onshore processing, refining and related manufacturing, following a bilateral meeting between Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi in Canberra.
In a joint statement issued after the talks, the Australian Government said critical minerals would become a core pillar of the countries’ economic and national security relationship, with the agreement aimed at driving coordinated investment in strategic projects and addressing supply chain vulnerabilities.
The government said the expanded cooperation builds on the Australia–Japan Critical Minerals Partnership launched in 2022, and is intended to improve access to capital and technology while strengthening commercial linkages between Australian producers and Japanese industry demand.
According to the media release, support of up to $1.3 billion will be made available through the Critical Minerals Facility and Export Finance Australia, including non-binding Letters of Support for projects involving Japanese partners. These projects have the potential to supply minerals such as gallium, nickel, graphite, rare earths and fluorite to Japan.
Albanese said Japan remained a key partner in developing Australia’s critical minerals sector and highlighted the role of investment in expanding domestic capability.
“By working closely with Japan, we can attract greater investment in our critical minerals sector and further develop the sector, creating jobs and capability in Australia,” he said.
Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong said the partnership was focused on long-term supply chain resilience.
“Our cooperation with Japan is all about building more resilient and stable supply chains over the long term,” she said, adding that both countries see “tremendous potential” in closer collaboration.
Minister for Trade and Tourism Don Farrell said the initiative aligns with broader national priorities, including the government’s Future Made in Australia agenda.
“We are committed to working with Japan to develop Australia’s critical minerals sector and support resilient supply chains between our countries and in our region,” he said.
Minister for Resources Madeleine King said Japanese investment has been central to Australia’s resources sector, describing it as a “cornerstone” of its global position.
She added that continued collaboration would help build “a new era for our resources sector that will support both our economies and our shared security for generations to come.”
The government characterised the partnership as mutually beneficial, supporting economic security and prosperity for both countries, while industry outcomes will depend on the progression of supported projects and broader market conditions.
