Critical minerals
Lithium’s rocky patch: Key building block of EV revolution faces uncertain future under Trump
While prices have started to pick up again, this major green energy metal’s fortunes in 2025 will hinge on whether electric vehicles sales can maintain their momentum.
- by Simon Johanson and Nick Toscano
Latest
Opinion
Trade wars
China has trade weapons to fight back, and is not afraid to use them
China has targeted Nvidia with an antitrust investigation in an apparent escalation of its response to the latest US attempt to cut off its access to advanced computer chips.
- by Stephen Bartholomeusz
The buried treasure in NSW that could power a clean energy world
NSW is home to some of the world’s most in-demand minerals and metals needed for the world’s clean energy future, and the state is looking to cash in.
- by Alexandra Smith
Radioactive dust-up over mine in Victoria’s food bowl
They are critical minerals needed for renewable technologies, but a plan to dig them up where the food we eat is grown has been met with fierce resistance from farmers.
- by Benjamin Preiss
Sponsored
Bulls N' Bears
Critical minerals mission prompts Venture name change
The rising global importance of critical minerals has prompted Venture Minerals to change its name to Critica as it pushes ahead with its Jupiter deposit in WA.
- by Craig Nolan
Pilbara lithium leader’s profit crushed after price collapse
The collapse in lithium prices has crushed full-year profits at Australia’s leading producer, Pilbara Minerals, and denied shareholders any dividends.
- by Marion Rae
Exclusive
Manufacturing
Super funds keen to invest in Australian-made scheme as gas fight flares
Big investors with deep pockets have backed the government’s $22.7 billion Future Made in Australia scheme, but a political brawl could stall its development.
- by Mike Foley
Twice the grunt or half the weight – Australia’s plans to build a better battery
Double the energy for the same size is the goal for the next generation of rechargeable batteries. Batteries that Australia hopes to make at home.
- by Mike Foley
Lithium crash to cost 300 jobs at miner in WA
The world’s largest lithium producer will slash production of the battery ingredient in WA, prompting the federal government to consider bringing forward planned assistance.
- by Peter Milne
How a second Trump term could hurt Australia
There are fears that a second Trump presidency could slow the rollout of electric cars and renewables, softening demand for Australia’s critical minerals.
- by Nick Toscano
China’s global grip on rare earths an ‘uncomfortable reality’
An Australian miner is hoping to change the playbook on critical minerals, warning that China’s stranglehold of the sector is an existential threat to Western countries.
- by Simon Johanson
Original URL: https://www.smh.com.au/topic/critical-minerals-1nus