A US-Australia Critical Minerals Partnership

On September, 13, 2021 the American Australian Association in Australia, in partnership with our affiliate the Perth USAsia Centre, were delighted to host an invitation-only discussion on A US-Australia Critical Minerals Partnership.

The discussion was introduced by the Australian Chairman & CEO of the American Australian Association, The Hon. John Olsen AO. Dr. Jeffrey Wilson, Research Director, Perth USAsia Centre moderated a substantive discussion with expert panelists: Allison Britt, Director for Mineral Resources Advice and Promotion, Geoscience Australia; Tania Constable, CEO, Minerals Council of Australia; Dan McGroarty, President, American Resources Policy Network; and Tom O’Leary, Managing Director & CEO, Iluka Resources.

Recognizing the importance of critical minerals to Australia, the United States and the global economy, some of the wide-ranging issues discussed included the Biden Administration’s 100-Day Supply Chain Review, the US Defense Production Act and concurrent heightened access for Australia, geopolitical issues related to trade and supply, and the pressing need for new tools and policy support to encourage critical minerals development in our countries.

The panel underscored that action is underway to address potential bottlenecks, to promote production and diversify supply chains, and to increase focus on critical minerals. This presented opportunities to augment the production and other developmental activities currently underway.