Interesting times ahead for COB.Link to full articleThe global...

Interesting times ahead for COB.

Link to full article

The global trade and investment environment for critical minerals is rapidly changing and Australian critical mineral explorers, developers and producers need to understand the implications for their businesses and the impact on individual projects of a range of possible scenarios.In a special report released on Monday, coinciding with the yearly Diggers and Dealers in Kalgoorlie, Deloitte said countries and industries across the world were locking in supply of minerals critical to delivering the transition.

Australia, and particularly Western Australia, is a major player in the extraction of critical minerals. It is also one of the most prospective jurisdictions to supply the world’s mineral needs.In 2023 Australian mines delivered 54% of the world’s raw lithium production. Australia (and specifically Western Australia and Queensland) also delivered over 20% of the world’s alumina, 15% of the world’s rare earths concentrate, and was a top-five producer of nickel, cobalt and platinum group metals.

“Australian miners have some significant advantages to position for a world where there are greater ESG requirements on mined or processed minerals or where there is a broader trade war. In fact, it can be argued Australia would be critical to any such scenario, “ said report author, Deloitte energy and climate transition lead partner Matt Judkins.

“Currently, however, our comparative advantages, such as strong environmental and regulatory settings, are not valued in the global demand-supply dynamic.“Industry and government must consider how to ensure this value is recognised in the global trade environment for minerals critical to the energyand climate transition.“This will be essential to ensure Australia’s critical minerals sector is best positioned to become a commercially sustainable supplier.