Trump administration announces $560 million critical minerals investment in small NSW town
The Pentagon is investing more than half a billion dollars to expand an Australian critical minerals project poised to become the world's first scandium mine. The investment is part of Washington's strategy to reduce reliance on China for critical minerals.
The Pentagon has announced it will invest $560 million to expand a critical minerals project in Syerston, a small town in New South Wales, that is positioned to become the world's first scandium mine.
Scandium is a strategic mineral used in lightweight metal alloys and defence manufacturing. The investment marks the latest step in Washington's effort to reduce its reliance on China for critical minerals used across defence and technology supply chains.
Australian officials say the project is expected to bring jobs and investment to the region. Analysts note the deal deepens defence and supply-chain cooperation between Washington and Canberra.
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