Tag: critical minerals
7 articles
Australia Urged to Cultivate Domestic Critical Minerals Workforce
Australia's mining sector is facing a critical shortage of skilled workers, with a 63% skills gap in 2022, and recent university closures are exacerbating the problem, threatening to leave valuable mines and processing plants idle. The country lags far behind China, which churns out 3,000 mining engineering graduates annually from 45 programs.
Democracies Need Critical-Minerals Stockpile Alignment
Democratic governments are taking a proactive approach to securing their critical mineral supplies, with Australia's recent announcement of a Critical Minerals Strategic Reserve being the latest example. This move is part of a growing trend to build resilience and reduce reliance on vulnerable supply chains dominated by a single country.
Australia's Defence Industry Needs Urgent Institutional Reforms
Western Australia's unique blend of industrial strengths, including critical minerals reserves, advanced maritime industries, and major energy infrastructure, makes it a crucial player in national defence - but can its potential be unlocked with effective institutional reforms? The future of Defence West hangs in the balance, threatening to either bridge the gap between state industry and national defence priorities or become just another layer of red tape.
China Warns Australia on Critical Minerals Push
China is hitting back at Australia's critical minerals push, slamming Treasurer Jim Chalmers' decision to force China-linked investors to sell their stakes in rare earths developer Northern Minerals as "irrational de-sinicisation". This move has significant implications for Australia's defence, manufacturing, and renewable energy sectors.
Younger Voices Inject Urgency into Australia's National Security Debate
Young professionals are shaking up Australia's national security debate, bringing fresh perspectives to pressing issues like the alarming decline in mining engineering enrolments. At ASPI's 2026 Darwin Dialogue, emerging thinkers tackled the nation's critical minerals ambitions and supply chain challenges head-on.
Australia's North Targets Economic Security Boost with Hybrid Zone Model
Australia's north is poised for an economic security boost with a groundbreaking hybrid zone model that leverages its vast energy, critical minerals, and industrial capabilities. By unlocking the region's potential, Australia can supercharge its national power and create a brighter future.
US-Indonesia Ties Pivot to High-Stakes Partnership
The US-Indonesia partnership has leveled up, shifting from a focus on shared values to a high-stakes game of mutual benefit, where critical minerals, supply chains, and defense capabilities are on the table. The question is, can this new transactional relationship deliver the real results both countries are counting on?