Washington, D.C. — The United States and Australia have entered into a sweeping new agreement to secure and expand supply chains for critical minerals and rare earth elements vital to defense, energy, and high-technology industries. The United States-Australia Framework for Securing Supply in the Mining and Processing of Critical Minerals and Rare Earths establishes joint investment, regulatory, and trade measures to ensure stable access to these essential materials.
Under the framework, both nations will mobilize at least $1 billion each within six months to fund mining and processing projects in the U.S. and Australia. The goal is to create diversified, fair, and resilient markets capable of meeting growing industrial and military demand.
The agreement also calls for accelerated permitting processes, regulatory streamlining, and the development of new investment mechanisms to bolster supply chains. A Mining, Minerals, and Metals Investment Ministerial will convene within 180 days to promote collaboration and investment opportunities.
Both countries pledged to counter unfair trade practices and develop standards-based pricing systems to stabilize markets for critical minerals. They will also expand cooperation in geological mapping, recycling technology, and rapid response coordination through a newly established U.S.–Australia Critical Minerals Supply Security Response Group.
While the framework is non-binding, it represents a major policy alignment between Washington and Canberra to reduce dependence on non-market suppliers, particularly China, in the global critical minerals sector.
The agreement was signed in Washington, D.C., by President Donald J. Trump and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on October 20, 2025.
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