Critical Minerals

Demand for critical minerals continues to rise, largely driven by the energy transition and the development of new technologies.

These minerals, such as lithium, cobalt, and rare earth elements, are used in the production of batteries for electric vehicles, solar panels, wind turbines and grid-scale energy storage. Other minerals, such as copper, aluminium, zinc and tin, are categorised as critical minerals in other jurisdiction such as the US and Canada, and also play key roles in the energy transition and growth of AI. Australia has the potential to secure a share of the global market through greater investment and coordination, understanding of existing technologies, and efficient processing methods.

KWM’s energy and resources practices are renowned - providing comprehensive, strategic legal support for the largest stakeholders in the mining & energy sectors. We offer tailored, value-driven advice throughout the entire mineral lifecycle, adeptly managing operational, expansion, and regulatory challenges, excelling in facilitating complex deals, joint venture relationships and innovative project and financing solutions in Australia and key markets worldwide. Our deep bench strength of energy and resources lawyers span the east and west coasts, with expertise in the Americas, Africa, Asia and Europe, and work cohesively together frequently and efficiently, ensuring we provide our clients with the most advanced and effective solutions for their projects.

Opening the doors to international funding for Australian critical minerals

Over the past week, several positive announcements have been made for Australian listed critical minerals mining companies and critical minerals projects within Australia

03 October 2024

Uranium, the energy transition & the nuclear fuel global supply chain

In 2023, the Sapporo 5 (a strategic partnership between the United States, Canada, France, Japan, and the United Kingdom) agreed to collaborate to develop a secure and resilient global nuclear supply chain.

16 September 2024

Leading the Charge: EV Battery Supply Chains

The strong global push to electrify the world’s vehicle population has in turn created exponential demand for the various components comprising an EV, with the most important being its energy source – the battery. The EV battery (and its supply chain) serves as the single most valuable part of an EV, typically accounting for 30% to 40% of the value of the vehicle[1]. This high cost is mainly attributed to the battery’s composition of several critical raw minerals, including lithium, cobalt, manganese, nickel and graphite[2]. As we share below, these minerals are hard to come by and supply is concentrated in the hands of a few countries.

24 July 2024

The Critical Minerals Production Tax Incentive: what to expect (and why more detail is needed)

The Federal Government's commitment to fostering a Future Made in Australia is set to introduce significant incentives for businesses engaged in the critical minerals sector.

22 July 2024

Critical Minerals - the central role of copper to AI and net zero

Artificial intelligence, in particular generative AI, is rapidly reshaping our global critical minerals landscape.

16 July 2024

Critical Minerals - Funding initiatives & the 2024 Federal Budget

Following the recent announcement of the 2024 Federal Budget and the upcoming Future Made in Australia Act, the Federal Government’s end-to-end energy transition focus is clear. As highlighted in our earlier insight, Minister for Resources Madeleine King has indicated that critical minerals funding will be vital in building the foundation of the Future Made in Australia Act, which was reflected in the 2024 Federal Budget announcements.

31 May 2024

Federal Budget May 2024-25: Green Energy & Advanced Manufacturing

The Government has provided some details regarding its recently announced Future Made in Australia package.

14 May 2024

Australia’s Foreign Investment Regime and Critical Minerals – “major overhaul” to be announced today by the Treasurer

As the global energy transition continues to develop, change is on the horizon. Global critical mineral supply and demand, technological development, and the clean energy transition will continue to drive investment as government and industry stakeholders look for opportunities.

01 May 2024

Foreign investment in critical minerals - is FIRB really worried?

They can be - let us explain.

05 July 2022