Former Australian Ambassador to the United States Arthur Sinodinos AO has welcomed the newly signed Australia-US critical minerals investment deal, saying it represents a long-awaited show of genuine commitment from both governments.
Speaking to Sky News Australia following the White House announcement, Sinodinos reflected on his time in Washington and the years of groundwork leading up to the agreement.
“They see Australia as a good partner, a steadfast partner,” he said. “Finally, I think the government has put real money on the table and real incentives to get this done.”
The $8.5 billion (A$13 billion) investment package, unveiled by Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and US President Donald Trump on Tuesday morning, will fund a series of mining and processing projects to reduce global dependence on China for rare earths and critical minerals.
Both countries have pledged US$1 billion each over the next six months, including a US$200 million equity stake in a West Australian gallium plant and US$100 million for the Arafura Nolans rare earths project in the Northern Territory.
The initiative is intended to boost supply-chain security across defence, renewable energy, and technology sectors, deepening strategic and economic ties between the two allies.
