Northern Territory forges ahead with critical minerals production

Industry leaders and representatives from Australia, the United States, Japan and the Republic of Korea will meet in Darwin to discuss critical mineral production, supply chains and economic security.

Dubbed the Darwin Dialogue, this collaboration highlights the opportunities and strategic importance the Northern Territory will play in the critical minerals supply chain for Australia and global markets.

In 2023, the total value of mineral production in the Northern Territory was $4.86b and demand for the critical minerals is expected to grow rapidly with the increasing transition to renewable energy and battery storage.

The Darwin Dialogue will highlight the opportunity and strategic importance the Northern Territory will play in the critical minerals supply chain for Australia and global partners.

It presents significant economic and strategic opportunities for the Northern Territory to become a supplier of minerals to support the transition to a decarbonised economy.

The demand for critical minerals is expected to continue to grow to support renewable energy, battery storage and high-technology industries.

Northern Territory Chief Minister Eva Lawler commented on the program.

“The Territory Government is creating the working opportunities of the future,” she said.

“The Territory is a key player when it comes to the global supply chains for the critical minerals required for new technologies and the energy transition.

“This summit cements our position on the national stage.”