General Discussions, page-29005

Joint Statement by Canada and Australia on Cooperation on Critical Minerals | Department of Industry Science and Resources

Canada and Australia are both global leaders in minerals extraction and home to advanced exploration projects for battery minerals and metals such as lithium and graphite, as well as rare earth elements (REE) and other critical minerals that are vital inputs for EVs and the clean technology sectors.

Canada and Australia share a like-minded approach to the development of global critical minerals supply chains, an approach driven by our strong environmental, social and governance (ESG) policies, high regard for worker conditions and worker safety, our shared commitment to consultation, engagement with and participation of Indigenous Peoples, and our alignment around the importance of sustainable and secure production.

Canada and Australia have both released national critical minerals strategies, and we are committed to ensuring critical minerals markets are diverse, resilient and guided by fair market practices. We recognise the substantial challenges facing our industry and the impact of concentrated supply chains. We see strength in diversity.

This is why our national governments are working together, so we are able to deliver a future where the development of our critical minerals are as clean as they can be, and where our industries are able to compete fairly in the international market. Diversified supply chains, and sustainably developed critical minerals, are essential to clean energy technology and the transition to net-zero.

In recognition of the vital role that critical minerals play in the global net-zero transition and building on our long-standing existing partnership and substantial work, both bilaterally and in multilateral fora, Canada and Australia commit to further working together to grow responsibly the global sustainable supply of critical minerals. We will also work together with likeminded partners to respond to changing geopolitical realities so they do not negatively impact our pursuit of these goals.

Canada and Australia have developed the following non-legally binding understanding to promote shared priorities related to global critical minerals extraction, processing, and refining:

• Drive robust ESG efforts. Responsible sourcing and higher ESG standards are emerging as major factors in the security of supply of critical minerals and are also necessary to achieve sustainable global practices. We will advocate for robust ESG credentials built into global critical minerals supply chains through close collaboration in multilateral fora, including International Standards Association (ISO), and work bilaterally to support market opportunities for our industry players with strong responsible mining credentials.
• Drive the development of critical minerals supply chain transparency and traceability to monetise the value proposition for responsibly sourced minerals. We commit to harmonising and prioritising critical minerals supply chain transparency and traceability measures, including through the International Energy Agency (IEA), to help ensure that global supply chains are guided by fair market practices and underpinned by robust ESG standards.