Part 1: Critical facts, critical minerals and China – What Australians need to know

ACBC & UTS:ACRI release Part 1: Critical facts, critical minerals and China: What Australians need to know

For immediate release 28 September 2023

Download Part 1: Critical facts, critical minerals and China – What Australians need to know

As the Australian Federal Government implements its critical minerals strategy, the ACBC together with the UTS:ACRI have embarked on releasing “Critical facts, critical minerals and China: what Australians need to know” – a series of thought leadership analysis pieces around China’s historical and potential future involvement in Australia’s critical minerals and rare earths sectors.

Aside from China being a major market, it is not well known that whether it be through foreign investment, labour up-skilling or technology transfer, Chinese companies have played a crucial role in Australia’s emergence in the critical minerals and rare earths sector. With China’s booming green economy, the demand for such resources and interest in partnering with Australia is likely to continue and to increase. However, there have been questions raised in the Australian national debate as to whether Chinese interests are welcome in the sector. This series of analysis pieces explores and unpacks some of the history and facts that are required to have a wholistic understanding of what an ongoing presence or lack thereof of Chinese involvement in the sector is likely to mean for Australia.

Comments attributable to ACBC National President David Olsson:

“As critical mineral supply chain issues continue to generate headlines, this series of factsheets seeks to insert some objectivity about the role of the Australia – China trade and investment relationship in this very important sector. This is the first in a series of factsheets that ACBC and UTS:ACRI have begun to undertake, and begins with exploring vulnerabilities and leverage in global critical minerals supply chains.

Comments attributable to UTS:ACRI Director James Laurenceson:

“A critical point of context missing from the Australian discussion of critical minerals supply chains is that China feels vulnerable too. Supporting sensible diversification is one thing. But it’s also in Australia’s interests to actively reassure Beijing and Chinese importing companies that, like iron ore and LNG in previous decades, our local producers can be counted on as stable, long-term suppliers of critical minerals.”

“Critical minerals supply chain resilience isn’t supported by implementing policies based on fears rather than facts. There is no evidence, for example, that Chinese investment in Australian lithium mines has prevented or threatens the servicing of customers in other markets like the U.S. and Japan.”

Download Part 1: Critical facts, critical minerals and China – What Australians need to know

ACBC Overview

The Australia China Business Council is Australia’s leading non-government, member-based business organisation focused on the promotion of productive trade and investment with China, for mutual advantage.

ACBC was founded shortly after the establishment of diplomatic relations five decades ago and has branches in every state and territory of Australia, representing around 500 member companies. Members range from small and medium size enterprises to the largest corporations and institutions in Australia, across all industries and sectors.

ACBC exists to support and bring together individuals and companies to strengthen and build new relationships, share best practice, foster new opportunities, and provide practical support to help members trade, invest and engage productively in and with China.

In September, ACBC officially launched its climate change initiative, Green Channel, a multi-year, multi-sector program, supported by the National Foundation for Australia-China Relations, that sets out to address the knowledge gap in the Australian market around developments in this area in China, and the potential for future engagement that can grow new trade and investment for Australia.

For enquiries:
David Olsson
National President and Chairman
National@acbc.com.au