Critical minerals
Lithium crash to cost 300 jobs at miner in WA
The world’s largest lithium producer will slash production of the battery ingredient in WA, prompting the federal government to consider bringing forward planned assistance.
- by Peter Milne
Latest
How a second Trump term could hurt Australia
There are fears that a second Trump presidency could slow the rollout of electric cars and renewables, softening demand for Australia’s critical minerals.
- by Nick Toscano
China’s global grip on rare earths an ‘uncomfortable reality’
An Australian miner is hoping to change the playbook on critical minerals, warning that China’s stranglehold of the sector is an existential threat to Western countries.
- by Simon Johanson
Opinion
Lithium
Resources nationalism is threatening China’s push to secure critical minerals
Partial nationalisation of a vast lithium project in Chile is the latest move by developed and developing countries to prevent China from locking up the mineral supply critical to its dominance of the world’s battery industry.
- by Stephen Bartholomeusz
Treasurer orders Chinese funds to reduce stakes in Australian rare earths miner
Jim Chalmers said the decision was made in order to “protect our national interest” as the government sharpens its focus on supply chain security.
- by Simon Johanson
Analysis
Federal budget
Australia’s $22.7 billion bet on the $US1.4 trillion fight with China
A Future Made in Australia is really about a global battle, led by the United States, against a rising China and a destabilising Russia.
- by Shane Wright
Resources tax breaks opens rift between WA and federal Liberals
Shadow treasurer Angus Taylor lashed $14 billion worth of incentives for green hydrogen and critical minerals companies, claiming it amounted to “handing out billions to billionaires”.
- by Hamish Hastie
Made in Australia: The $22.7 billion punt to rival China’s dominance
The government is betting big on green technologies and industry to grow local manufacturing.
- by Mike Foley
Opinion
Rare earths
In the rare earths Game of Thrones, Gina Rinehart grabs the crown
The federal government declared “the road to net zero runs through Australia’s resources sector”, and Rinehart will be hoping for a decent spoonful from the profit pot at the end of that road.
- by Elizabeth Knight
Rio Tinto says global economy resilient, inflation easing despite patchy China
Shipments of its key commodity iron ore fell over the past three months as bad weather disrupted Rio’s ports, the mining giant said.
- by Simon Johanson
Australian mining ‘under assault’ from China, US ambassador says
America’s national security and the health of the planet depended on commodities managed by Australia, Caroline Kennedy told Paydirt Battery Minerals Conference in Perth.
- by Marion Rae