ABC Investigation Says China-Backed WA Miners Steer Zirconium Exports to China, Some Re-Exported to Russia

Overview

• Australia’s public broadcaster ABC reports that Chinese companies became major shareholders in Western Australian resource firms directing zirconium shipments to China.
• The investigation says part of the zirconium sent to China appears to have been re-exported to Russia.
• ABC highlights a 2020 decision by Australian authorities authorizing a Chinese company to acquire a 50% stake in an Australian resource company.
• The report notes other Australian mining firms list subsidiaries of Chinese companies as their largest shareholders.
• Zirconium is described as critical for hypersonic missiles and nuclear programs, raising national-security concerns that remain subject to official verification.