US-Australia Framework for Securing of Supply in the Mining and Processing of Critical Minerals and Rare Earths

Country / jurisdiction: United States · Year: 2025 · Status: In force · Level: International · Type: Voluntary

On 20 October 2025, President Donald J. Trump and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese signed the United States–Australia Framework for Securing Supply in the Mining and Processing of Critical Minerals and Rare Earths to strengthen bilateral cooperation in building resilient and diversified supply chains for materials essential to defence and advanced technologies. Key provisions include:

Securing Supply: Joint efforts will be undertaken to ensure security of supply, including by leveraging the United States’ industrial stockpiling and Australia’s Critical Mineral Strategic Reserve

Investment: The two countries have committed to mobilise financial support (private and public) for capital and operational expenditures related to mining and processing. Australia and the US will jointly identify projects of interest and will work together to develop new or bespoke mechanisms to strengthen critical mineral supply chains. Both countries have committed to disburse at least 1 billion in financing for selected projects within six months of the arrangement (i.e., March 2026).

Permitting: Each country is taking measures to simplify permitting timelines and processes within its jurisdiction.

Price Mechanisms: The two countries will work together to adopt standards-based systems that allow participants to trade freely and within a pricing framework (including through the use of price floors and similar measures).

Recycling: The two countries commit to investing in recycling technology and managing scrap in a manner that supports diversification.

Asset Sales: The United States and Australia will work together to strengthen or create legal authorities that allow for the review or deterrence of critical mineral asset sales on national security grounds.

Geological Mapping: The two countries will conduct cooperative geological mapping initiatives in the US and Australia.

High-Level Cooperation: A rapid response mechanism, composed of the US Secretary of Energy and the Australian Minister for Resources, has been created to identify vulnerabilities and accelerate delivery of processed minerals under the framework. A Mining, Minerals and Metals Investment Ministerial will also be convened within 180 days of the arrangement to promote investment and coordinate efforts.

Official source: https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefings-statements/2025/10/united-states-australia-framework-for-securing-of-supply-in-the-mining-and-processing-of-critical-minerals-and-rare-earths/