US and Australia form scrum to break China's rare-earth grip

Washington looks to ally to end reliance on trade war rival

20191125N rare earth mine orange jacket

A miner looks across a mine in Kalgoorlie, located around 500 kilometers east of Perth, Australia.  © Reuters

FUMI MATSUMOTO, Nikkei staff writer

SYDNEY -- The U.S. and Australia are partnering more closely on mining and processing rare earths in a bid to weaken China's grip on the supply of materials used in everything from smartphones to fighter jets.

Australian Minister for Resources Matt Cavanan and U.S. Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross have agreed to work together on financing projects related to critical minerals, including rare earths and other materials such as lithium.

Sponsored Content

About Sponsored ContentThis content was commissioned by Nikkei's Global Business Bureau.