Following the example of the EU, Australia has updated its critical raw materials list and created a new list of strategic raw materials.
Both lists include materials that have been identified as important for Australia’s modern technologies, economies and national security. Both lists also include materials for which Australia has geological potential for resources. These materials are also in demand from strategic international partners.
Compared to the previous version of the CRM list, Australia has added:
Fluorine
Molybdenum
Arsenic
Selenium
Tellurium
Helium was removed.
The new strategic raw materials list contains minerals considered important for the global transition to net zero. Differently from CRMs, startegic raw materials are not characterised by vulnerable supply chains. The Strategic Materials List will allow the Australian government to monitor the market developments for these minerals.
The list of stratigic raw materials includes:
Copper
Nickel
Aluminium
Phosphorus
Tin
Zinc