Critical minerals

Australia’s critical mineral opportunity 

We need critical minerals to make the critical technologies modern economies rely on. Australia is home to some of the largest recoverable critical minerals deposits on earth. This includes: 

• high-quality cobalt
• lithium
• manganese
• rare earth elements
• tungsten
• vanadium.

Our ethically sourced and high-quality critical minerals are helping the world modernise and decarbonise. 

Growing Australia’s critical minerals sector 

The Australia Government’s Future Made in Australia National Interest Framework identifies the critical minerals sector as a priority industry, critical to Australia’s net zero transformation.

Critical minerals priorities also align with many of Australia’s critical technology priorities. For example:

• batteries and battery components
• rare earth permanent magnets
• catalysts for hydrogen production
• semiconductors for micro-chips and solar photovoltaics (PV)
• defence technologies.

Why you should invest in Australia’s critical minerals

We have a solid track record as a reliable critical mineral’s producer and exporter. We are experts in ethical extraction and world-leaders in developing responsible projects to high environmental, social and governance (ESG) credentials.

Major mining companies, junior explorers and financiers can benefit from Australia’s:

• mature mining industry and deep expertise in resource extraction and processing
• supportive government, policies, incentives and programs for the resources sector
• pre-competitive geoscience information in identifying areas of resource potential
• robust regulatory, construction, environmental and safety standards
• stable business location with close ties to Asia’s growing markets.

Learn more about our critical minerals potential

Austrade’s Critical Minerals Prospectus 2022 showcases investment-ready projects across Australia. Austrade also has information about the mining equipment, technology and services sector and mining, oil and gas industry capabilities.

Geoscience Australia provides:

• pre-competitive data acquisition and analysis, data and tools
• information on Australia's energy resources and potential including the most up-to-date commodity information
• Exploring for the future program so you can confidently plan, make informed decisions and invest in new developments.

Our Resources and Energy Quarterly forecasts the value, volume and price of Australia’s major resources and energy commodity exports.

Safeguarding against foreign interference in the critical minerals sector 

Australia’s critical mineral sector has unique traits that make it a target for foreign interference. 

Read our information toolkit on Safeguarding against foreign interference in the critical minerals sector to help you understand, identify and report suspected acts of foreign interference.

Find Australian Government funding and initiatives

We provide a range of grants, finance and support for critical minerals projects.