The Australian Aluminium Council has renewed its call for the inclusion of bauxite, alumina and aluminium in Australia’s Critical Minerals list.
The report “Vulnerabilities & Opportunities in Australia’s Upstream Aluminium Sectors” highlights the potential for growth in Australia’s domestic upstream supply chain amid evolving geopolitical dynamics and rising costs, alongside opportunities for streamlined regulatory approvals.
Adding these materials to the Critical Minerals list would not only support Australian industry and job creation but also send a clear signal to international trading partners that Australia is committed to safeguarding its vital role in the global supply of bauxite, alumina and aluminium required for the transition to a low-carbon world.
“The current inclusion of aluminium on Australia’s Strategic Mineral List acknowledges the metal’s importance in the transition to net zero, but does not come with much-needed policy support”, says Marghanita Johnson, CEO, Australian Aluminium Council.
“Instead, it is a ‘watchlist’ of minerals that would meet the criteria for being a Critical Mineral but are not currently considered vulnerable to disruption”.
Marghanita emphasised the need for immediate action to protect the aluminium industry to avoid the same fate as other critical minerals.
“We do not want aluminium to become the new nickel which until early this year was also considered a Strategic Mineral. The Government’s decision to move it to the Critical Minerals list in February was too little too late,” Marghanita added.
The report highlighted the need for a streamlined regulatory process to unlock the potential of Australia’s bauxite resources.
To address these issues, the Council urges the Australian Government to:
- Immediately include bauxite, alumina, and aluminium on Australia’s Critical Minerals list, recognising the vulnerability of the integrated sector and its importance to both domestic and global supply chains.
- Streamline environmental approvals for bauxite mines and alumina refineries, balancing environmental protection with commercial realities and economic benefits.
- Support the aluminium sector’s pivotal role in the global green economy, as Australia’s alumina and aluminium play a key role in the transition to a sustainable, low-carbon future.
Vulnerabilities & Opportunities in Australia’s Upstream Aluminium Sectors is available here.