Japan and Australia will prioritize and fast-track six critical minerals projects in Australia spanning rare earths, nickel, gallium and mineral sands-based rare earth extraction, Nikkei Asia reported on May 1. Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will likely unveil the projects during the former's May 3-5 visit to Australia.

Japan's urgency has increased because it depends on China for 60% to 70% of rare earth imports, while Beijing has expanded controls from heavy rare earths and magnets to refining technology and Japan-specific dual-use restrictions. For Australia, China's pressure adds urgency to expand domestic processing, attract Japanese investment and become a key supplier for allies seeking alternatives to Chinese-dominated supply chains. Australia is building a larger critical minerals industry at home and is backing projects that might otherwise struggle commercially to position Australia as the key node to reduce critical dependence on Chinese-dominated processing.