Australia is fast-tracking the establishment of a national critical minerals reserve, with antimony, gallium and rare earth elements identified as priority materials to be secured before the end of the year.

The move reflects growing concern within government over supply chain vulnerabilities and rising geopolitical competition for minerals essential to defence, energy transition and advanced manufacturing.

Senior officials have confirmed that work on the reserve has been accelerated, with targeted stockpiling and offtake arrangements now being developed alongside industry and state governments.

The focus on antimony and gallium follows recent export restrictions and market tightening overseas, while rare earths remain central to technologies ranging from missiles and radar systems to semiconductors, electric vehicles and renewable energy infrastructure.

Australia’s strategy builds on its position as one of the world’s most resource-rich nations and a trusted supplier to allies seeking alternatives to highly concentrated global supply chains.

By moving quickly to establish a reserve, Canberra aims to ensure domestic availability during market disruptions while strengthening Australia’s role as a reliable partner in the Indo-Pacific and beyond.

The reserve is expected to combine physical stockpiles with contractual mechanisms, allowing flexibility as market conditions evolve.

Officials have emphasised that the approach will be commercially disciplined, designed to support investment in upstream projects while avoiding market distortion.

Industry participants have welcomed the clarity, noting that government backing can help unlock financing for projects that are strategically vital but exposed to price volatility.

With global demand for critical minerals accelerating and strategic competition intensifying, the government views the reserve as a cornerstone of national resilience policy.

Further details on governance, funding and initial volumes are expected to be finalised later this year as Australia positions itself at the centre of secure and diversified critical minerals supply chains.