EIB Global and the Government of Australia have signed a declaration of intent to enhance cooperation on critical raw materials.  

This initiative seeks to strengthen sustainable and resilient supply chains between the EU and Australia for critical raw materials. 

The declaration builds on an existing memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the EU and Australia.  

As the development arm of the European Investment Bank (EIB), EIB Global is taking concrete steps to reinforce this cooperation through targeted investment and advisory support.  

The declaration was signed by Australia’s Ambassador to the EU, Angus Campbell, and EIB vice-president Nicola Beer.  

Campbell said: “Australia is a trusted supplier of critical minerals, and this partnership with the EU reinforces our shared commitment to sustainable development and secure supply chains.”   

The partnership is intended to finance critical minerals projects in Australia and deepen collaboration across the entire value chain. 

It will cover all stages of the critical raw materials value chain including exploration, extraction, processing, recycling and innovation.  

By promoting sustainable development in the sector, the partnership supports mutual goals around clean energy, innovation, defence and economic security. 

Beer said: “Teaming up with Australia will provide the type of win-win partnership we are eager to build: a partnership with a like-minded actor – one that engages communities, values transparency and ensures community trust in critical raw materials initiatives.  

"Australia’s strong track record in environmental responsibility and sustainable mining aligns with the EIB’s commitment to innovation and green investments. In this way, we strengthen Australia’s and Europe’s strategic autonomy.” 

In March this year, the EIB and Orano signed a €400m ($433.5) loan agreement to finance the expansion of the Georges Besse 2 uranium enrichment plant in Tricastin, France.