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Monday, Feb 02, 2026
Outside the box.
Global Powers Convene in Washington to Forge Critical Minerals Alliance
United States, United Kingdom, European Union and key partners meet to strengthen supply chains and reduce dependence on China
Ministers and senior officials from the United States, the United Kingdom, the European Union, Australia, Japan, New Zealand and other like-minded partners are convening in Washington this week for talks aimed at advancing a strategic alliance on critical minerals to fortify global supply chains and lessen dependency on China.
The discussions reflect mounting geopolitical and economic momentum to secure access to materials such as rare earths, lithium, cobalt and gallium, which are essential for advanced technology, defence systems, renewable energy and telecommunications infrastructure.
The summit, convened by the United States Secretary of State, brings together about twenty nations, including all Group of Seven members as well as India, South Korea, Mexico and potentially Argentina, underlining the broad coalition rallying behind supply chain diversification.
Participants are expected to explore mechanisms to expand production, processing and trade of these critical inputs while negotiating shared principles for stable pricing and investment support for allied projects.
A key area of focus will be strengthening non-China supply routes and establishing frameworks that permit reliable trade in minerals and rare earths without undue market distortions.
Some nations have signalled interest in pricing guarantees and coordinated market measures, although proposals for minimum price floors have stirred debate and some pushback, particularly from the United States.
Australia has signalled its commitment to enhancing resilience through a strategic reserve of vulnerable minerals and said it will pursue domestic programmes regardless of external pricing initiatives.
The discussions also provide a platform for allies to align broader economic security priorities, with the European Union anticipated to press concerns over recent US steel derivative tariffs that touch on trade agreements.
If consensus is reached on key objectives, the meeting may conclude with a joint statement affirming allied commitments to secure critical minerals value chains and deepen cooperation in the face of persistent global supply chain challenges.
The discussions reflect mounting geopolitical and economic momentum to secure access to materials such as rare earths, lithium, cobalt and gallium, which are essential for advanced technology, defence systems, renewable energy and telecommunications infrastructure.
The summit, convened by the United States Secretary of State, brings together about twenty nations, including all Group of Seven members as well as India, South Korea, Mexico and potentially Argentina, underlining the broad coalition rallying behind supply chain diversification.
Participants are expected to explore mechanisms to expand production, processing and trade of these critical inputs while negotiating shared principles for stable pricing and investment support for allied projects.
A key area of focus will be strengthening non-China supply routes and establishing frameworks that permit reliable trade in minerals and rare earths without undue market distortions.
Some nations have signalled interest in pricing guarantees and coordinated market measures, although proposals for minimum price floors have stirred debate and some pushback, particularly from the United States.
Australia has signalled its commitment to enhancing resilience through a strategic reserve of vulnerable minerals and said it will pursue domestic programmes regardless of external pricing initiatives.
The discussions also provide a platform for allies to align broader economic security priorities, with the European Union anticipated to press concerns over recent US steel derivative tariffs that touch on trade agreements.
If consensus is reached on key objectives, the meeting may conclude with a joint statement affirming allied commitments to secure critical minerals value chains and deepen cooperation in the face of persistent global supply chain challenges.
