US and Australia Sign Critical Minerals Deal

On 20th October 2025, the United States and Australia signed a major agreement aimed at boosting the supply and processing of rare earths and other critical minerals, in a bid to reduce dependence on China.

Background

  • China’s Dominance: China currently controls about 70% of global rare earth mining and 90% of processing capacity.
  • Strategic Importance: Critical minerals are essential for defence systems, semiconductors, and electric vehicles.
  • Vulnerability: US firms depend heavily on Chinese processing, making supply chains fragile amid escalating trade tensions and tariffs.

Key Features of the Deal

  • Investment Pipeline: Supports $8.5 billion (A$13 billion; £6.3 billion) in “ready-to-go” Australian mining ....
Do You Want to Read More?
Subscribe Now
To get access to detailed content
Buy December 2025 Issue

Already a Member? Login here

Take Annual Subscription and get the following Advantage
The annual members of the Civil Services Chronicle can read the monthly content of the magazine as well as the Chronicle magazine archives.
Readers can study all the material before the last six months of the Civil Services Chronicle monthly issue in the form of Chronicle magazine archives.
Be an Annual Subscriber

Related Content

World Watch