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

25 April 2025James ChaterBBC NewsReporting fromSydneyGetty ImagesAustralia's prime minister Anthony Albanese has pledged to invest A$1.2bn (£580m) in a strategic reserve for critical minerals if he wins next month's election, as trade tensions escalate.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?What are rare earth minerals and why are they important?Rare earths are a group of 17 elements - named "rare" because they are notoriously difficult to extract and refine.Rare earths, like samarium and terbium, are critical to the production of technologi...