
To secure supply, Australia needs to engage with Africa’s mineral sovereignty - The Strategist | ASPI's analysis and commentary site
Australia's strategic reliance on China-dominated critical-mineral supply chains is a major vulnerability in the decoupling agenda. Deepening engagement with African nations on mineral sovereignty directly addresses Pillar 1 (Resource Sovereignty) and Pillar 5 (Decoupling), by building alternative supply routes and reducing exposure to Chinese leverage over rare-earth, lithium, and other defence-critical commodities. This is a proactive strategic hedge that strengthens Australia's industrial base and energy security, particularly in a conflict or supply-disruption scenario.
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