Australia and Canada have strengthened their partnership on critical minerals with the signing of a new Joint Declaration of Intent on Critical Minerals Collaboration, aimed at advancing cooperation in supply chain sustainability, research, and trade.
Signed by Minister for Resources and Northern Australia Madeleine King and Canadian Minister for Resources and Energy Tim Hodgson, the declaration cements a shared commitment to building resilient and transparent critical minerals industries.
The signing took place on the sidelines of the G7 Energy and Environment Ministers’ Meeting in Toronto, underscoring the high-level diplomatic significance of the accord.
The agreement between Australia’s Department of Industry, Science and Resources and Canada’s Department of Natural Resources sets the stage for expanded bilateral efforts across every stage of the mineral value chain — from exploration and processing to innovation and commercially viable projects.
Australia and Canada are already major producers of minerals such as lithium, nickel, cobalt, and rare earth elements, which are vital to technologies driving clean energy, defence, and advanced manufacturing.
Under the new framework, both countries aim to enhance collaboration on projects of mutual interest, promote commercial partnerships, and encourage research and policy alignment.
The declaration also outlines joint efforts to address policy and regulatory challenges common to resource-producing nations, ensuring that global standards-based markets recognise the unique conditions and environmental benchmarks upheld by both countries.
Minister King said the partnership represented another critical step forward in reinforcing stable and responsible global supply chains for high-demand materials.
“Our national governments have long worked together on resources sector development,” she said.
“I am delighted to continue this important partnership with my counterpart, Tim Hodgson, Minister for Energy and Resources.
“As producing nations, it is important we collaborate to ensure both our communities and industry can benefit from growing demand for critical minerals.”
The declaration comes amid global momentum toward cleaner energy systems and heightened geopolitical focus on the security of critical minerals supply.
Australia and Canada share commitments to ethical sourcing, decarbonisation, and supporting local communities in resource development.
Both nations are leveraging their stable regulatory frameworks and vast geological potential to attract strategic investment and promote sustainability-led growth in the sector.
Minister King added that the collaboration would help both economies meet growing global demand while supporting domestic innovation and job creation.
“By working together, we can build secure, diversified and sustainable critical minerals supply chains,” she said.
“From defence applications to clean manufacturing, critical minerals are at the heart of the economic and national security of both our countries.
“I look forward to working with Canada to build resilient supply chains that support innovation and economic growth.”
Her visit to Canada follows the recent agreement between Australia and the United States under the United States–Australia Framework for Securing of Supply in the Mining and Processing of Critical Minerals and Rare Earths.
That pact supports a US$8.5 billion project pipeline, positioning Australia as a leading ally in the global supply of strategic resources.
