The Ambassador of Italy, Paolo Crudele, met in Canberra Tania Constable, the CEO of the Minerals Council of Australia, which represents the mining sector in the country. During the meeting, the potential for greater bilateral collaboration between Australia and Italy in the critical materials sector was explored. Australia is one of the richest countries in minerals on the planet, among the top producers of lithium (essential for the construction of batteries for electric vehicles), ferrous metals and rare-earth metals. The mining sector alone is one of the driving forces of the Australian economy, accounting for more than 14% of national GDP.
Held just a few days after the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between the European Union and Australia on critical and strategic sustainable minerals, the meeting was also an operational follow-up to the economic-commercial diplomacy mission carried out, at the end of May, by Ambassador Crudele in Western Australia. During that mission he could meet with a selected representation of the Australian business community and Italian companies in the mining sector. Ambassador Crudele said: “Diversifying the supply of critical materials needed for the green and digital transition is one of the great current challenges for our country. Australia, a like-minded country, is an increasingly important partner to which Italy is looking with growing interest to strengthen value chains and access to raw materials.”
It was agreed to continue close collaboration with the Minerals Council, in view of favouring the access to Australia of new Italian companies interested in the processing and refining of raw materials, as well as further investment of Australian companies in Italy.
