Alcoa partners with Japanese firms to explore gallium production in Western Australia

Alcoa of Australia has signed a joint development agreement with Japan Australia Gallium Associates to explore establishing gallium production at one of its Western Australian alumina refineries, according to an announcement on Sunday. The partnership with Japan Australia Gallium Associates, a joint venture between Sojitz Corporation and Japan Organization for Metals and Energy Security, aims…

ASCA launches defence mission to counter drone threats

The Advanced Strategic Capabilities Accelerator (ASCA) launched Mission Syracuse on Monday, seeking industry support to enhance Australia’s defence capabilities against small uncrewed aerial systems. According to a statement released on Friday, the mission will focus on rapidly developing advanced technology options to intercept drones that can be integrated into the Australian Defence Force’s (ADF) existing…

Albanese government announces $1.2 billion critical minerals strategic reserve

The federal government announced plans on Thursday to establish a Critical Minerals Strategic Reserve with an initial investment of $1.2 billion, including a $1 billion increase to the existing Critical Minerals Facility. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the initiative would boost Australia’s economic resilience and leverage the country’s abundant resources of critical minerals and rare…