President Donald J. Trump and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese have signed a new Critical Minerals Framework, aiming to boost cooperation between the United States and Australia in the supply chain of critical minerals. The agreement includes plans for both governments to invest over $3 billion in critical mineral projects within the next six months, with an estimated recoverable resource value of $53 billion.
The Export-Import Bank of the United States is set to issue seven Letters of Interest for more than $2.2 billion in financing, which could unlock up to $5 billion in total investment. These efforts are designed to advance critical minerals and supply-chain security projects between the two countries.
Additionally, the U.S. Department of War will fund the construction of a 100 metric ton-per-year advanced gallium refinery in Western Australia. This initiative aims to enhance self-reliance in processing essential minerals.
On defense cooperation, Australia has agreed to increase its investments, including a purchase of $1.2 billion in Anduril unmanned underwater vehicles and delivery of Apache helicopters as part of a separate $2.6 billion deal. Since February, Australia has contributed $1 billion to help expand and modernize the U.S. submarine industrial base, with another $1 billion expected by year-end.
The alliance also focuses on strengthening trilateral security partnerships under AUKUS and improving integrated air and missile defense capabilities through significant investments with U.S. companies. Under Australia's Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance (GWEO) enterprise, streamlined export cooperation will support over 200 manufacturing suppliers across several U.S. states.
Economic ties are also being deepened through increased Australian superannuation fund investments in the United States, projected to reach $1.44 trillion by 2035—an increase nearing $1 trillion from current levels. This growth is expected to generate tens of thousands of new jobs for Americans.
Other agreements include expanded access for U.S. beef in Australia and a framework signed by NASA and the Australian Space Agency to strengthen space and aeronautics cooperation. The Artemis program will see participation from an Australian-developed lunar rover technology.
The two countries have also committed to launching a bilateral Technology Prosperity Deal focused on joint initiatives related to artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and other critical technologies.
"Today, President Donald J. Trump and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese signed a landmark Critical Minerals Framework to unleash the potential of our abundant natural resources—a model for supply-chain cooperation globally."
"The U.S. Department of War will invest in the construction of a 100 metric ton-per-year advanced gallium refinery in Western Australia, further advancing self-reliance in critical minerals processing."
"Australia agreed to purchase $1.2 billion in Anduril unmanned underwater vehicles and take delivery of the first tranche of Apache helicopters in a separate $2.6 billion deal."
"Since February, Australia has contributed $1 billion to the U.S. Government to expand and modernize the U.S. submarine industrial base, with another $1 billion by the end of the year."
"Australia’s superannuation funds will increase investments in the United States to $1.44 trillion by 2035—an increase of almost $1 trillion from current levels.This unprecedented investment will create tens of thousands of new, high-paying jobs for Americans."
"The United States recently secured expanded access for U.S. beef in Australia and is committed to opening new markets for U.S. ranchers."
"NASA and the Australian Space Agency signed a framework agreement to strengthen civil space and aeronautics cooperation."
"The United States and Australia agreed to develop and launch a bilateral Technology Prosperity Deal to establish joint initiatives to cooperate and invest in AI, quantum, and other critical technologies."