Australia and the United States have confirmed a deal to secure supply of critical minerals, including rare earths and lithium. These minerals are essential for manufacturing batteries, electric cars, and weapons systems.
China controls about 70% of global rare earths production despite holding only 37% of reserves. Australia holds 13% of the world's rare earths reserves.
The deal aims to reduce dependence on Chinese supply chains. Experts including Nic Earner of Alkane Resources, Professor Dudley Kingsnorth from the Western Australian School of Mines, and Dr Chris Vernon from CSIRO have commented on the agreement.
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