Japan and Australia to fast-track six critical mineral projects

Politics Partner nations step up efforts to diversify supply chains away from China Japan and Australia are expediting critical mineral procurement projects. Sanae Takaichi and Anthony Albanese are to issue a joint statement next week while Takaichi is in Australia. (Source photos by Ken Suzuki and Reuters) TAISHU YUASA and RURIKA IMAHASHI TOKYO/SYDNEY — Japan and Australia are to prioritize and fast-track six projects dealing with the development of critical minerals, including rare earths and nickel, Nikkei learned on Friday.