The Australian critical minerals sector is set to strengthen over the medium term, supported by rising export earnings from rare earths, manganese and cobalt, even as prices for some mineral sands remain under pressure.
New international financing frameworks and project investment are expected to underpin supply growth across multiple strategic minerals.
While zircon and ilmenite prices have weakened due to softer downstream demand—particularly from China’s construction sector—Australia’s broader critical minerals outlook remains positive.
Rare earth production and exports are forecast to rise sharply through 2026–27, supported by delayed Chinese export controls, expanding ex-China processing capacity, and new investment under the US–Australia Critical Minerals Framework.
Total Australian exports of “other critical minerals” are projected to reach nearly A$6 billion by 2026–27.
Source: Department of Industry, Science and Resources, Commonwealth of Australia
