Critical Minerals Sector Insights

Sample Briefing

Federal Policy & Regulation

NewsData: Battery Materials Market ↗

Published 17 Sept 2026, 10:52 am AEST

Albanese Government establishes new trade remedies body for Australian manufacturers

The Albanese Labor Government announced a new trade remedies body on 17 September 2026, jointly with Trade Minister Don Farrell, to support Australian manufacturers against unfair trade practices. Why it matters: A dedicated trade remedies body could provide Australian critical minerals processors and manufacturers with faster recourse against dumped or subsidised imports, altering the competitive cost position for downstream processing investment decisions.

Industry & Market

Exa: Critical Minerals Project Finance ↗

Published 17 Sept 2026

Global Lithium cuts Manna pre-production funding 59% via Nova plant integration

Global Lithium Resources reduced Manna lithium project pre-production funding requirement from ~$440 million to $180.1 million by repurposing IGO's Nova processing plant instead of building a new concentrator. Why it matters: Global Lithium's sharply lower capital requirement and near-doubled NPV of $945.7 million materially improves Manna's financibility and probability of reaching financial close.

NewsData: Critical Minerals Projects ↗

Published 17 Sept 2026

Mount Ridley improves rare earth and scandium recoveries using proprietary Selectro process

Mount Ridley has reported higher rare earth and scandium recoveries in metallurgical testwork after deploying its trademarked Selectro reagent technology, which also reduced overall reagent dosage requirements. Why it matters: Improved recoveries and lower reagent costs could enhance Mount Ridley's processing economics and strengthen the project's case for development financing or offtake negotiations.

Exa: Critical Minerals Supply Chain ↗

Published 17 Sept 2026

West Cobar advances Salazar scandium project amid China export controls

West Cobar Metals is intensifying focus on its Salazar scandium project in NSW as Chinese export controls tighten supply and new demand from solid oxide fuel cells and 5G technology drives forecasts from 30-40t to 600t by 2035. Why it matters: West Cobar's accelerated drilling at Salazar could position it as a non-Chinese scandium supplier, directly affecting offtake prospects and project financing timelines.

State & Territory

Exa: Critical Minerals Approvals and Facilitation ↗

Published 16 Sept 2026

NSW Independent Planning Commission ordered to reassess Bowdens Silver mine

The NSW Independent Planning Commission has been directed to reassess the Bowdens Silver project after its previous approval was overturned, adding further delay to the silver-zinc-lead development in Central West NSW. Why it matters: Bowdens Silver faces renewed approval uncertainty, extending project timeline risk and deferring any offtake or financing decisions dependent on a final development consent.

Exa: Battery Materials Policy and Finance ↗

Published 17 Sept 2026

Aware Super and SECV commit $700m to Victoria's longest-duration battery

Aware Super, Birdwood Energy and the State Electricity Commission of Victoria will build the $700 million Baranduda battery near Wodonga, intended to backstop grid security after Yallourn coal station closes. Why it matters: The Baranduda project establishes a large-scale battery storage investment pathway for institutional capital, shaping demand for Australian battery materials and grid-storage procurement economics.

International Context

Exa: Critical Minerals Supply Chain ↗

Published 16 Sept 2026

Lake Resources deploys Lilac direct lithium extraction at Kachi, Argentina

Lake Resources is applying Lilac Solutions' direct lithium extraction technology at its Kachi project in Argentina's Lithium Triangle, achieving 80-90% lithium recovery and battery-grade purity above 99.8%. Why it matters: Improved DLE recovery rates at Kachi alter the project's processing economics and competitive position against Australian hard-rock lithium suppliers targeting the same battery-materials market.