Australia Considers Price Floor for Critical Minerals to Counter China's Dominance

• Australia is exploring a price floor for critical minerals, including rare earths, to reduce China's market dominance and attract global investment.
• Export Finance Australia (EFA) could back the policy, providing stability to producers facing volatile prices and Chinese supply influence.
• The move aims to de-risk projects, especially in early stages, making capital-intensive ventures more attractive to financiers.
• This initiative aligns with global efforts, including the US's "Project Vault" and EU's proposed partnership, to secure critical mineral supply chains.
• Australia plans a A$1.2 billion critical minerals stockpile, focusing on rare earths, antimony, and gallium, complementing a 2025 US agreement.