Australia prepares to compete with China with new rare earth refineries

Canberra aims to play a key role in establishing more diversified and reliable global rare earth supply chains that depend less on Beijing.

Canberra aims to play a key role in establishing more diversified and reliable global rare earth supply chains that depend less on Beijing.

EnvironmentAustralia aims for responsible approach, but cleaner production may mean higher pricesWastewater from a rare-earth refining facility in China's Inner Mongolia is discharged into a nearby lake. © ReutersSUBARU TANAKAAugust 22, 2026 10:01 JSTTOKYO -- As Australia looks to become a responsible supplier of rare