On 24 April 2025, the Hon Anthony Albanese, Prime Minister of Australia, committed to establish a Critical Minerals Strategic Reserve to maximise the strategic value of Australia’s critical minerals.
The government allocated $1.2 billion to establish the reserve in the 2025-26 Federal Budget. The reserve is expected to be operational in the second half of 2026.
Critical minerals and rare earths are essential inputs to the modern and future economy – underpinning the energy transition, high tech manufacturing, AI and the digital economy.
Critical Minerals Strategic Reserve Taskforce
A taskforce has been established in the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet to advise government on the reserve design. The taskforce reports jointly to the Prime Minister and the Minister for Resources.
The taskforce will consult with critical minerals industry associations and businesses, state and territory governments, international partners and other interested stakeholders.
Contact the taskforce
To contact the taskforce, email CMSRTaskforce@pmc.gov.au
Further information
More information on critical minerals is available:
- Critical minerals - Critical minerals | Department of Industry Science and Resources
- Critical Minerals Strategy 2023-2030 - Critical Minerals Strategy 2023–2030 | Department of Industry Science and Resources
- Critical Minerals Office - Critical Minerals Office | Department of Industry Science and Resources