Australia and US sign framework for critical minerals, rare earths

US President Donald Trump and Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese shake hands as they sign an agreement on rare earth and critical minerals during a meeting in the Cabinet Room at the White House, in Washington, D.C., US, October 20, 2025. - Reuters

WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Monday (Oct 20) signed a bilateral framework for the mining and processing of critical minerals and rare earths at the White House.

Washington and Canberra committed to a major "immediate" investment in critical minerals projects over the next six months.