Deep below the surface of the Pacific Ocean, the seafloor is dotted with clusters of brown and black rocks, each containing valuable metals. The rocks, known as polymetallic nodules, hold […]
Read MoreAlbanese’s critical minerals deal isn’t good economics – but in Trump and Xi’s new world, bargaining chips matter
Anthony Albanese has struck a multi-billion dollar deal with Donald Trump to develop critical minerals projects in Australia that will never be commercially viable. When it’s laid out like that, […]
Read MoreAustralia and the US have signed a critical minerals deal to take on China’s monopoly. Here’s what you need to know
Australia and the US have signed a critical minerals deal designed to break China’s near complete hold over materials essential to commercial, clean energy and advanced military hardware. Anthony Albanese […]
Read MoreWhat could a Trump deal on critical minerals mean for Australia – and could MAGA be a sticking point?
Australia’s rich deposits of minerals used for green energy technologies and military hardware are increasingly prized, especially because of rising anxiety about China’s stranglehold on the global supply chain. That […]
Read MoreWhat are rare earths and critical minerals – explained in 30 seconds
Critical minerals are vital for the global economy and include nickel, manganese and cobalt. Rare earths are a specific, highly useful category of critical minerals that are used to make […]
Read MoreUS may take strategic stakes in rare earths companies to tackle China ‘power grab’
The Trump administration has criticised China’s increased restrictions on rare earth exports as a threat to global supply chains, and said it would seek to tighten control over strategic sectors […]
Read MoreChina steps up control of rare-earth exports citing ‘national security’ concerns
China has increased restrictions on exports of rare earths and related technologies as Beijing tightened its grip on the products that are critical for use in smartphones and fighter jets. […]
Read MoreChina’s reported BHP iron ore ban has wide-ranging ramifications. Here’s what to know
China, via a state-run enterprise, has reportedly banned its steel manufacturers from buying iron ore from the Australian mining giant BHP, amid a strategic bid by Beijing to reduce prices […]
Read MoreAlbanese hopes China’s reported BHP iron ore ban ‘very much short-term’ as ASX dips
The treasurer, Jim Chalmers, will meet with the boss of BHP amid a shock report that the world’s largest mining company faces a Chinese blockade on its iron ore shipments. […]
Read MoreApple inks $500m deal for rare earth magnets with US mining firm
Apple has signed a $500m deal with a US firm for rare earth magnets, essential for manufacturing electronics, after China curbed exports of the scarce, vital materials. The backing from […]
Read More