Industry leaders and representatives from Australia, Japan, the Republic of Korea and the US are set to discuss critical mineral production, supply chain resilience and economic security in Darwin.
The Darwin Dialogue’s mini-lateral and bilateral cooperation on critical minerals and rare earths highlights the opportunities and strategic importance the Northern Territory can play in the critical minerals supply chain for Australia and global partners.
The Northern Territory Government said that this presents significant economic and strategic opportunities for the Northern Territory to become a reliable supplier of minerals to support the transition to a decarbonised economy.
The total value of mineral production in the Northern Territory was $4.86 billion in 2023, with 4,400 people employed within the industry.
Demand for critical minerals is projected to rapidly increase to support renewable energy battery storage and high-technology industries, as well as areas such as medicine and defence.
The Darwin Dialogue is convened by the Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI).
Northern Territory Chief Minister, Eva Lawler, said, “The Territory Labor Government is creating the working opportunities of the future.
“The Darwin Dialogue 2024 is an exclusive Track 1.5 initiative that brings together 60 leaders and key representatives from Australia, Japan, the Republic of Korea, the US, the UK and India to discuss critical mineral production, supply chain resilience and economic security.
“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.”
Northern Territory Minister for Mining, Mark Monaghan, said, “The Territory Labor Government will always back projects that get Territorians working.”
“It is clear that the demand for critical minerals is driving this growth in exploration and as it stands, over 4,400 Territorians work within the minerals industry.”
ASPI’s Head of the Northern Australia Strategic Policy Centre, Dr John Coyne, said, “ASPI is proud to convene the Darwin Dialogue in the Northern Territory. Darwin and the INPEX Ichthys project provides the perfect backdrop for a dialogue on critical minerals, illustrating what is possible when like-minded countries like Japan and Australia work together.
“The Darwin Dialogue’s diverse attendees provide an unprecedented opportunity for open discussion on creating competitive and resilient alternate critical minerals supply chains that commit to the highest ESG standards.”
Image credit: Anton Balazh/shutterstock.com.