Critical minerals

We need critical minerals to make the critical technologies modern economies rely on. Like those underpinning renewable energy, medicine and national security.

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 and vanadium.

We are developing new industries to process more of these minerals in Australia. This creates jobs and economic benefits for all Australians and strengthens global supply chains.  

Our ethically sourced and high-quality critical minerals are helping the world modernise and decarbonise. This includes helping Australia achieve net zero emissions by 2050.

Growing Australia’s critical minerals sector

The Australian Government is focussing on: 

• attracting international investments and building international partnerships 
• growing our critical minerals processing and manufacturing capabilities onshore 
• getting more value from our natural resources and helping Australia become a renewable energy superpower 
• creating Australian jobs and economic opportunities, including for our First Nations and regional communities.

Critical minerals and technologies

Critical minerals priorities 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.

Critical Minerals Office (CMO)

The CMO is the Australian Government's central coordination point for critical minerals. The CMO:

• provides national policy and strategic advice
• facilitates international partnerships
• facilitates services to develop the sector.

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.

Find Australian Government funding and initiatives

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