【Ferro-alloys.com】: Australia has signed another international commitment, cementing the ongoing strategic importance of critical minerals in establishing secure supply chains for Western economies.

Along with six other countries, Australia signed the Pax Silica declaration at a summit in Washington, D.C., last week.

The non-binding declaration aims to support the development of key technology industries such as artificial intelligence, semiconductors and other advanced manufacturing, while recognising the critical role played by transportation logistics, critical minerals refining and processing, and energy.

“The Pax Silica Summit strengthens our collaboration with the US and other countries on supply chain resilience. It shows our shared commitment to developing secure supply chains that are critical to ensuring technological progress and economic security in Australia’s interests,” the Australian Department of Industry, Science and Resources said in a statement.

“Our participation in the summit reflects our approach to building on Australia’s comparative strengths in critical minerals, artificial intelligence and critical technologies.”

Japan, the Republic of Korea, the United Kingdom, Singapore, Israel and the United States also signed the declaration, which seeks to foster a competitive, safe and inclusive digital ecosystem and strengthen economic resilience.

The summit – attended by a number of key global companies, including Rio Tinto – was convened by US Under Secretary of State for Economic Affairs Jacob Helberg.

“If the 20th century ran on oil and steel, the 21st century runs on compute and the minerals that feed it. This historic declaration hails a new economic security consensus, ensuring aligned partners build the AI ecosystem of tomorrow – from energy and critical minerals to high-end manufacturing and models,” Helberg said.

The Pax Silica declaration caps off a year in which Australia signed separate critical minerals agreements with the US and Canada, while also advancing key partnerships with Japan, the UK and the European Union.

• [Editor:Alakay]