China has halted rare earth exports, can Australia step up?

Australia has proposed to create a strategic reserve of critical minerals.

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The announcement came after China imposed export restrictions on seven rare earth elements, essential to the production of advanced technologies - including electric vehicles, fighter jets, and robots.

China's controls apply to all countries but were widely seen as retaliation to US President Donald Trump's tariffs.

Albanese said Australia would prioritise minerals that are key to its security, and that of its partners, including rare earths. But could his plan challenge China's dominance?

Rare earths are a group of 17 elements - named "rare" because they are notoriously difficult to extract and refine.