Federal Member for Bowman, Henry Pike, has welcomed the new Australia-United States Critical Minerals Agreement, calling it a major opportunity for the Redlands to become a national leader in critical minerals research and innovation.
Mr Pike is championing a long-term vision for the Redlands to become Australia’s rare earth research capital, helping to build the nation’s sovereign supply of critical resources.
“This deal isn’t just about geopolitics, it’s about what happens right here in our own backyard,” Mr Pike stated.
“The Redlands is home to one of world’s most advanced research stations into high-value critical minerals, and this agreement gives projects like that a clearer runway to grow.”
In 2022, Mr Pike secured $5.24 million in federal funding from the former Coalition Government, for the Lava Blue / QUT Predictive Research into Specialty Materials (PRiSM) project at the Redlands Research Station in Cleveland.
“Hidden in the bush behind the Alex Hills Hotel, this world-class facility is turning mine waste into high-purity alumina (HPA). HPA is a critical material found a whole range of modern uses, including defence radar systems, aircraft sensors and electric vehicle batteries,” Mr Pike said.
“The new Critical Minerals Agreement with the United States creates the stability and investor confidence that projects like this need to expand.”
The agreement introduces price floors and investment safeguards designed to counter China’s manipulation of mineral markets, ensuring a fair playing field for Australian producers, helping to secure investment and strengthen Australia’s position in global supply chains.
“When investors in this space can plan ahead with confidence, it means more skilled jobs and advanced manufacturing opportunities right here in the Redlands,” said Mr Pike. “This isn’t just a policy about trade and defence, it’s about creating new industries on our doorstep that make Australia stronger and more self-reliant.”
Mr Pike stated local innovation through projects like Lava Blue demonstrates how the Redlands can help lead Australia’s transition to a secure and sustainable future.
“The work happening here proves that we don’t have to ship raw materials overseas to have an impact,” he stated.
“We can add value locally, create jobs locally, and keep our country safe at the same time. The Redlands is showing the rest of the nation how it’s done.”