Can Australia provide US with rare-earth metals which China has restricted?

"Last week, China, which has a stranglehold on the supply of these critical minerals, tightened its export controls over its rare-earth metals. It now restricts exports of 12 of the 17 rare-earth metals on the periodic table. Seventy percent of rare earths are mined in China, and 90 percent are processed there. The announcement of the new restrictions came just weeks ahead of an expected meeting between Donald Trump and his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping, later this month."

"But on Thursday, Australia appeared to be stepping into the breach, when Canberra's Treasurer Jim Chalmers told reporters in Washington that Australia is very well placed to service the global need for rare earths instead. We will engage with our partners to make sure that we can be a very reliable supplier to meet the critical minerals needs of the US and other markets, he said, ahead of talks with Kevin Hassett, the director of the US National Economic Council."

"On September 24, Australia's trade minister, Don Farrell, met his US counterpart, Jamieson Greer, in Malaysia. According to ABC news, Farrell asked Greer, How can we help America become great again? Give us your critical minerals, the US trade representative responded. Shortly afterwards, the White House confirmed that US President Donald Trump would meet Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in the Oval Office on October 20."

China tightened export controls on rare-earth metals, restricting 12 of the 17 elements, while about 70% of rare earths are mined in China and 90% processed there. The United States and other nations urgently require these materials for defence, semiconductors and AI development, and analysts view China's restrictions as leverage in trade talks. Australia signalled readiness to fill supply gaps, with Treasurer Jim Chalmers promising to engage partners to be a reliable supplier for US and global markets. High-level talks between Australian and US officials and an upcoming presidential meeting increase focus on critical minerals cooperation.

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