Ardea Resources’ Goongarrie Hub deposit located within the Kalgoorlie Nickel Project has been identified as a key project in the Australia-Japan joint statement on cooperation in critical minerals.
The critical minerals initiative, announced by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and Australia Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, aims to enhance secure and diversified supply chains in the sector.
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Under the newly announced Australia-Japan Joint Declaration on Economic Security Cooperation, the Prime Ministers have elevated critical minerals as a central element of their economic security relationship.
This strategic coordination emphasises the importance of critical minerals in advanced manufacturing and the energy transition, aiming to bolster the Special Strategic Partnership between the two nations.
Recognising the risks associated with concentrated critical mineral supply chains, both countries are committed to enhancing collaboration on investment and diversification. This will involve leveraging existing frameworks like the Australia-Japan Critical Minerals Partnership.
The Goongarrie Hub is among six projects to have been designated as key projects.
The other projects are Lynas Rare Earths Project, Alcoa Gallium Recovery Project, Magnium Magnesium Project, Tivan Fluorite Project, and RZ Resources Critical Minerals Project.
The Goongarrie Hub, developed in partnership with Sumitomo Metal Mining and Mitsubishi, is noted as one of Australia’s largest nickel-cobalt resources.
It aligns with Japan’s objectives for economic security, with the Japanese government providing funding support to fortify the critical minerals supply chain.
The project has garnered non-binding, conditional support indications from both Export Finance Australia (EFA) and the US Export-Import Bank (EXIM).
Additionally, it has received Major Project Status from the Australian government and participation in the Investor Front Door pilot programme to streamline government engagement.
Ardea Resources managing director and CEO Andrew Penkethman said: “The inclusion of the Kalgoorlie Nickel Project – Goongarrie Hub in the Australia–Japan Joint Statement on Elevated Critical Minerals Cooperation is important recognition of the Project’s strategic value to both nations.
“The Goongarrie Hub hosts one of the largest nickel-cobalt Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves in Australia and the developed world. It is well positioned to support resilient, secure and diversified supply chains for Critical Minerals that underpin advanced manufacturing and battery supply chains.
“This government-to-government acknowledgement reinforces the importance of developing trusted, high-quality supply from stable jurisdictions, and through genuine collaboration.”
