Australia is using the Osaka World Expo to deepen ties with Japan on critical minerals and carbon capture, as both countries look to shore up energy security and drive industrial decarbonisation.
Resources and Northern Australia Minister Madeleine King is in Japan this week to promote Australian mining and resource sector opportunities, with a particular focus on investment in critical minerals and emerging carbon capture and storage (CCS) projects.
“Energy security during the transition to net zero is a high priority for both of our nations,” King said, noting Australia and Japan’s shared goal of building more resilient and diverse critical minerals supply chains.
Japan views CCS as key to meeting its 2050 net zero target and has been a major investor in Australian CCS developments. Minister King flagged the potential for more transnational storage partnerships, pointing to the Asia-Pacific region’s growing role in global carbon storage.
The expo, which runs through to October 13, is expected to attract more than 28 million visitors. Australia’s pavilion is promoting the nation’s capabilities in resources, science and advanced manufacturing under the event’s theme of “designing future society for our lives.”
Within that, the government is highlighting opportunities to expand local processing of battery minerals and green metals – part of its Future Made in Australia agenda – as well as the strategic value of CCS and developing critical minerals resources to “make the future sustainable”.
The Northern Territory is also on show, with Trade, Business and Asian Relations Minister Robyn Cahill leading a 20-person delegation to promote investment opportunities in mining, clean energy and digital technologies.
“While in Japan, I’ll also be pursuing high-level meetings with Japanese partners…” Cahill said, as the NT looks to position itself as a key partner in the regional clean energy and critical minerals supply chain.
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