Australia's Rare Earth Element Supply Chain

Australia's Rare Earth Element Supply Chain is a national snapshot of the rare earths sector as of January 2026 including production, resources and exploration. Australia is the world's third largest producer of rare earth elements (REE), supplying 8% of demand. Rare earth elements underpin a wide range of high-growth technologies due to their unique catalytic, metallurgical, electrical, magnetic, and luminescent properties. They are essential inputs for electric motors, permanent magnets, advanced alloys, semiconductors, batteries, catalytic converters, medical imaging systems, lasers, specialty glass and ceramics. Global demand for REE nearly doubled between 2015 and 2023, driven primarily by the rapid expansion of electric vehicle (EV) production, and renewable energy infrastructure. However, since 2024, the market has experienced greater volatility as slower EV sales, and broader economic uncertainty tempered short-term demand. Despite the short-term soft market conditions, the long-term demand trajectory for REE is projected to increase.