Overview

• The critical minerals task force held a call with miners last week and invited written submissions on potential participation.
• Officials aim to finalise policy recommendations by year-end for a A$1.2 billion reserve expected to be operational in the second half of 2026.
• Sources say the design would lock in future-year supplies via offtake contracts, reducing the need to hold metals physically.
• Measures under consideration include government-backed minimum prices and allied underwriting to limit Australia’s direct spending.
• The accelerated planning follows China tightening rare-earth export restrictions and precedes Albanese’s Oct. 20 meeting with President Donald Trump.