Industry figures from Australia, Japan and the US will meet in Darwin to discuss critical mineral and rare-earth element production across northern Australia.
The event, ‘2023 Darwin Dialogue’, is supported by US ambassador to Australia Caroline Kennedy and Japanese ambassador to Australia Shingo Yamagami.
Chief Minister Natasha Fyles said the Northern Territory is underexplored for critical minerals and demand is expected to soar due to the resources sector shifting to renewable energy.
The event is designed to provide an opportunity for domestic and international stakeholders to discuss key issues surrounding critical minerals and rare-earth elements in the NT, with Fyles saying the Territory is an up-and-coming player in becoming a global supplier of critical minerals needed for energy transition.
“The (2023) Darwin Dialogue puts the Territory on centre stage for investment,” Fyles said.
“Already we are home to a number of critical minerals projects. We are positioning ourselves for the ongoing benefits and jobs of the future.
“The need for new critical mineral mines and mineral processing is continuing to grow to support the demand for renewable energy, battery storage and high-technology industries. This presents significant economic and strategic opportunities for the Territory to become a reliable supplier of minerals to support the transition to a decarbonised economy.”
The NT Government recently released the Critical Minerals in the Northern Territory guide, which outlines the Territory’s current list of 15 critical minerals, and the geological potential for 13 emerging critical minerals.
The 2023 Darwin Dialogue from April 12–14 and will consist of multiple sessions, with a focus on national investment in the current and future state of critical mineral and rare-earth element supply and demand.