Aus and India ink critical minerals MoU

Federal Resources, Water and Northern Australia Minister Keith Pitt at the end of last week said that the MoU was a significant step for Australia towards establishing itself as a reliable supplier of the critical minerals needed to grow India’s manufacturing sector and its defence and space capabilities.

The MoU was a key outcome of the virtual meeting between Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to elevate the relationship between the two nations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

“My department has worked closely with the Ministry of Mines to develop the MoU, which focuses on avenues to increase trade, investment and research and development in critical minerals between our two countries,” Pitt said.

“The MoU identifies specific areas where Australia and India will work together to meet the raw material demands of the future economy, particularly the increased global demand for critical minerals.

“India presents growing opportunities for Australia’s critical minerals, especially as the nation looks to build its manufacturing sector, defence and space capabilities.”

Australia has the potential to be one of the top suppliers of cobalt and zircon to India, being in the top three for global production of these minerals. Australia also has reserves to supply many other critical minerals to India, including antimony, lithium, rare earth elements and tantalum.

“Indian government policies such as the Make in India programme, and its goal of moving to full electric mobility by 2030, are expected to increase Indian demand for critical minerals,” Pitt added.