This report reviews critical mineral policy developments across Australia and partner nations, assessing the geo-economic landscape and offering conclusions and recommendations. It draws on contemporary research, industry analysis and government policy statements to map the next phase of global critical-minerals competition. The report argues that Australia must pivot from signing partnerships to fully activating them.

Northern Australia is central to the nation’s future. This report reframes northern Australia as a developing economy within a developed nation. Drawing on a detailed analysis of the Northern Territory and extending to northern Queensland and northern Western Australia, the report presents a comprehensive, evidence-based argument for nation-building through targeted investment.

Australia is endowed with rich economic geology, and is an acknowledged leader in mineral production, in minerals governance, and in garnering broad economic benefits from its large mining and processing sector. This report is intended to provide the government with a road map to ‘step up’ to (re)activate Australia’s mineral leadership.

President Trump’s policies have the capacity for major impact for good and ill: potentially good for the pattern of Australian investment in the United States; more complicating for American investment in Australia; and uncertain around trade in goods and services.