Australia and Japan have elevated cooperation on critical minerals, with a renewed focus on onshore processing, refining and advanced manufacturing as part of a strengthened economic and security partnership.
Prime minister Anthony Albanese and Japanese prime minister Sanae Takaichi met in Canberra and issued a Joint Statement on Critical Minerals Cooperation, positioning the sector as a central pillar of bilateral relations. The agreement is expected to drive coordinated investment in strategic projects targeting supply chain vulnerabilities.
The announcement builds on the Australia–Japan Critical Minerals Partnership launched in 2022, with an emphasis on improving access to capital and technology while strengthening commercial links between Australian producers and Japanese industry demand.
The Australian Government has committed support of up to $1.3 billion through the Critical Minerals Facility and Export Finance Australia. This includes non-binding Letters of Support for projects involving Japanese partners, with the potential to supply materials such as gallium, nickel, graphite, rare earths and fluorite.
“Japan has been a long-standing partner in the development of Australia’s critical minerals sector,” Albanese said.
“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.”
Foreign affairs minister Penny Wong said the agreement would help underpin long-term supply chain resilience.
“Our cooperation with Japan is all about building more resilient and stable supply chains over the long term,” Wong said.
“We both see the tremendous potential in working more closely together to support reliable access to critical minerals.”
Trade and tourism minister Don Farrell said the partnership aligns with 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,” Farrell said.
“Developing our critical minerals is a key national priority under our Future Made in Australia agenda, and we can achieve this by working closely with Japan, a trusted and longstanding partner.”
Resources minister Madeleine King highlighted Japan’s longstanding investment in Australia’s resources sector.
“Sustained, trusted, constant investment from Japan is a cornerstone of the global powerhouse that is the resources sector of Australia,” King said.
“Working together with Japan we are building a new era for our resources sector that will support both our economies and our shared security for generations to come.”