Western Australia has forged deeper economic and industrial ties with France following the signing of a joint communique aimed at building more resilient critical minerals supply chains, boosting research and skills, and unlocking new bilateral trade and investment opportunities.
The Letter of Intent (LOI) establishes a collaborative framework to enhance downstream and midstream processing, mineral recycling, and value-adding processing activities.
The agreement combines Western Australia’s world-leading resource endowment and mining expertise with France’s specialised capabilities in mineral processing, metallurgy, engineering, and industrial technologies.
France represents Australia’s 10th-largest source of foreign direct investment, with two-way trade between Western Australia and France valued at over AU$900 million.
More than 50 French businesses currently operate in or export to WA, while over 20 West Australian companies maintain commercial operations or export links in France.
Western Australia State Development Minister David Michael said the partnership aligns directly with the state’s DiversifyWA policy to drive long-term economic diversification, support local skilled job creation, and solidify the state’s status as a global supplier of choice for the clean energy transition.
“This Letter of Intent demonstrates the strategic importance of Western Australia in the global critical minerals sector and the growing interest from international partners in working with our state,” Michael said.
“Strengthening collaboration with France will support investment, innovation, and industry development across the critical minerals value chain.”
France’s Interministerial Delegate for Ores and Metals Supplies, Benjamin Gallezot, described the agreement as a vital milestone towards diversifying critical raw material supply chains while laying the groundwork for a balanced industrial and R&D partnership between France and Western Australia.
“By pursuing a comprehensive co-operation across the entire value chain, from industry to R&D, this Letter of Intent is the foundation for a balanced partnership between France and Western Australia,” Gallezot said.
