Rare-Earth Push Takes Center Stage at Australia’s Diggers and Dealers Forum

The annual Diggers and Dealers Mining Forum in Kalgoorlie-Boulder expects more than 2,500 attendees, with former federal treasurer and U.S. ambassador Joe Hockey serving as the keynote speaker. The conference will spotlight the geopolitical stakes of critical mineral supply chains, especially rare-earth elements. Iluka Resources, backed by taxpayers, is constructing a $1.8 billion refinery in Western Australia’s Midwest and is conducting its negotiations behind closed doors to avoid potential Chinese supply disruptions.

In June, Iluka signed a $US155 million contract with an unnamed global carmaker to provide magnet rare-earth oxides starting in 2028, supporting the first four years of the Eneabba plant’s output. The refinery, 60 % complete, will produce neodymium, praseodymium, terbium and dysprosium for electric vehicles, wind turbines and defence applications, funded in part by a $1.65 billion loan from the federal Critical Minerals Facility. Officials highlighted the need for diversified sources, with Australia engaging the United States, Europe, Japan and other partners, while India’s high commissioner noted the broader trend of resource trade being weaponised.