Minister for Trade and Tourism Don Farrell has underscored the need to kick-start several projects across Australia that can realise the potential of the nation’s “rich and diverse mineral endowment”.

An online prospectus of Australia’s critical minerals landscape, showcasing 55 “investment-ready” projects to international investors, was publicly released by Austrade on Wednesday.

The digital tool shows a map of Australia with pin drops marking parts of the country with data relating to the ‘measured’, ‘indicated’, ‘inferred’ and ‘total’ mineral resources under the ground.

In addition to the prospectus, Farrell noted other government initiatives to attract overseas attention to Australian critical minerals projects. This included the $4 billion minerals facility and the recently announced $7 billion critical minerals production tax incentive.

“Australia is ready and willing to meet the growing global demand for critical minerals, and we welcome international investment in key projects across the country,” Farrell said.

“The new online prospectus shines a spotlight on over 55 investor-ready projects which will attract the investment we need to build new industries, create more jobs, and become a renewable energy superpower.”

The Australian government is spruiking the prospectus data as having significant potential to address critical mineral production shortfalls, help build supply chain security, and achieve a net zero future.

Resources Minister Madeleine King said that critical resources such as cobalt and rare earth materials were not only important for global efforts to reduce emissions but also the defence industry.

“Australia’s resources industry has been developed with foreign investment, and we need overseas investment to build our critical minerals industry,” King said.

“This new online Australian critical minerals prospectus will help drive investment into the sector.”

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