Australia Plans $780M Rare Earths Stockpile to Secure Supply Chains

Rare earth elements (REEs) are crucial for modern technologies and economic growth, with India, China, Australia, and the West all focusing on securing supply chains amid growing global demand. India aims to boost domestic REE extraction and processing through its National Critical Mineral Mission, leveraging its significant reserves and seeking international partnerships to reduce import dependence. China dominates the global rare earth market, controlling a majority of production, refining capacity, and permanent-magnet supply, which has prompted the West to diversify sources, invest in recycling technologies, and develop alternatives to reduce reliance on Chinese REEs. Australia plans to establish a strategic mineral reserve to strengthen supply chains and reduce reliance on China, despite concerns from domestic producers about potential market distortions, with the government emphasizing voluntary participation and strategic off-take agreements. Analysts note that electric vehicles, which require substantially more rare earth components than gasoline cars, are driving demand, but slower EV adoption in the U.S. may moderate this trend, while recycling of first-generation EVs could provide a future source of rare earths. Overall, securing rare earth supply chains is a strategic priority globally, with major players investing in exploration, processing, stockpiling, and innovation to mitigate risks associated with China's dominant position.