Western Australia and France have signed a landmark agreement to strengthen critical minerals supply chains, encourage international investment and expand collaboration across mining, engineering and advanced mineral processing.

The Letter of Intent, announced on 28 October 2026, aims to bring together WA’s significant mineral resources and established mining expertise with France’s advanced industrial technologies. The partnership will focus on opportunities in mineral processing, research, innovation and the development of more resilient global supply chains.

With two-way trade between WA and France already exceeding $900 million, the agreement is expected to support local industry growth, skilled employment and further investment in downstream processing, recycling and clean energy technologies.

As global demand for critical minerals continues to grow, the partnership could encourage new project development and infrastructure investment across Western Australia. It also highlights the State’s growing importance in the global energy transition, with critical minerals playing an essential role in renewable energy, battery production and advanced manufacturing.

For WA’s mining, engineering, energy and construction sectors, increased international collaboration could create opportunities for skilled professionals across technical, operational and project delivery roles.

The agreement marks another step in strengthening WA’s international partnerships and reinforcing its position in the global critical minerals market.

Source: Link