(Jan 12): Australia plans to buy and stockpile minerals essential for defence and advanced technologies from domestic mining companies to help strengthen global supply chains. Australia is one of the top producers of rare earths outside China and the reserve is intended to offset some of Beijing’s influence. The stockpile plan comes after China recently restricted exports of rare earths to Japan amid rising tensions over Taiwan. That deal will support a pipeline of projects across critical minerals and rare earths valued at about A$13 billion, according to Monday’s statement. Rare earths are used to make permanent magnets essential in technologies from fighter jets to medical equipment.

Source: The Edge Markets January 12, 2026 04:46 UTC