United States–Australia Critical Minerals and Rare Earths Framework

United States–Australia Critical Minerals and Rare Earths FrameworkDate: October 20, 2025Purpose: Establishes a non-binding policy framework to secure resilient, diversified supply chains for critical minerals and rare earths across mining, separation, and processing.Supply security: Leverages U.S. industrial demand/stockpiling and Australia’s Critical Mineral Strategic Reserve; creates a joint Rapid Response group led by the U.S. Secretary of Energy and Australia’s Minister for Resources.Investment push: Within 6 months, target at least $1B in financing for projects in each country; use guarantees, loans, equity, offtake arrangements, insurance, and regulatory facilitation; convene a Mining, Minerals and Metals Investment Ministerial within 180 days.Permitting and trade: Accelerate/streamline domestic permitting; develop standards-based pricing systems (including potential price floors) to counter non‑market practices and unfair trade; explore a broader global framework with partners.Safeguards and sustainability: Strengthen authorities to review/deter sensitive asset sales on national security grounds; invest in recycling and coordinated management of scrap; cooperate on geological mapping in both countries and elsewhere.Legal status: Outlines policy and programmatic actions; not legally binding; either party may discontinue with written notice (effective in 30 days).