New Delhi: The Quad partners — India, the United States, Japan and Australia — have committed to mobilising up to USD 20 billion in government and private sector support to strengthen secure and resilient critical minerals supply chains across the Indo-Pacific region.
Announcing the Quad Critical Minerals Initiative, the four countries said the partnership aims to accelerate the development of diversified and fair critical mineral markets critical for advanced technologies, economic growth and industrial resilience.
The Quad partners intend to work together through coordinated investment and economic policy tools to support mining, processing and recycling of critical minerals, while reducing supply chain vulnerabilities, according to the statement issued by Foreign Ministers.
Under the initiative, the countries plan to identify and support projects with a “Quad nexus,” including projects located in Quad nations, operated by Quad-based companies or supplying Quad markets.
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The framework also envisages support through export credit agencies, development finance institutions and other public financing mechanisms such as guarantees, loans, equity participation, insurance, subsidies and commercial arrangements.
The partners also said they would explore new mechanisms to mobilise private capital and expand regional critical mineral supply chains.
On the regulatory front, the Quad countries aim to improve the overall environment for critical mineral development by sharing best practices related to permitting, licensing and regulatory processes. The framework also includes cooperation on geological mapping, resource assessment, technology development and capacity building.
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The Quad partners further stated that they would consider coordinated measures to address non-market policies and unfair trade practices affecting critical mineral supply chains.
A major focus of the initiative is also on recycling and recovery of critical minerals from e-waste and scrap materials. The countries said they intend to promote investment in recycling technologies and collection networks while encouraging innovation in mineral recovery systems.
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The framework also proposes collaboration to streamline export and import procedures for waste and scrap materials related to critical minerals, in accordance with domestic laws and international obligations.
The initiative comes amid growing global competition for access to critical minerals and rare earths, which are essential for sectors such as semiconductors, electric vehicles, renewable energy, defence technologies and advanced manufacturing.
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