Australia’s ambassador to the US, Kevin Rudd, has positioned the Australian Mining Industry as a future global leader in critical minerals and rare earths. Speaking at the Centre for Strategic and International Studies, Rudd described Australia as capable of becoming “a great power – if not a superpower – in critical minerals and rare earths.”
Mining Strengths Backing Australia’s Case
“We have the biggest mining industry and the largest mining companies in the world,” Rudd said. “Most of the periodic table is under our soil. (And) now we’re adding processing.”
Rudd stressed that both the US and Australia must set the right policy framework to fully seize the opportunity.
“The missing piece is pricing, and we’ll work that out with our partners,” he added. “If we get it right, Australia will become a great power – if not a superpower – in critical minerals and rare earths.”
Countering China’s Supply Chain Dominance
Rudd highlighted the importance of collaboration with the US to diversify supply chains and counter China’s influence over global critical minerals.
“We have deep technical expertise represented in the research faculties of our major universities,” he said. “So put together the geology, our processing capacity, and our mining expertise, and I think we’re well-placed to assist in diversifying and creating resilient supply chains – helping the US … meet its requirements for a resilient America when it comes to critical minerals and rare earths.”
Policy Alignment Between the US and Australia
Rudd expressed confidence in the ability of both governments to align policy settings and support investment.
“The US now has a whole-of-government effort – through the National Security Council, the Department of Defense, the Department of Energy, and others – combined with Australia’s Critical Minerals Task Force,” he said.
“With large companies leaning forward, deep capital markets, and government investment facilities in both countries, we can make real, tangible progress in the most sensitive minerals and rare earths.”
Major Projects and Industry Leadership
Rudd pointed to Australian companies already making advances in critical minerals production and processing. Iluka Resources’ $1.2 billion Eneabba project is set to become the country’s first fully integrated rare earths processing facility. Lynas Corporation is also a key player, operating a rare earths processing facility in Malaysia and planning expansion into the United States.
He also noted recent meetings between BHP, Rio Tinto, and former US President Donald Trump as evidence of Australia’s central role in US mineral strategy.
Benefits from Shifting US Policy
Australian rare earths miners are already seeing gains from stronger US partnerships. Lynas, for example, has received US backing to build a rare earths processing plant in Texas.
This shift signals a new era for Australia’s mining sector, where critical minerals and rare earths will strengthen international partnerships, diversify supply chains, and position the country as a major global power in the industry.