AusIMM Critical Minerals Conference connects local sector, industry leaders with US Export Import Bank

One of the highlights from last month’s Critical Minerals Conference in Brisbane was the participation of the United States Export Import Bank (EXIM) and its Chair and President Reta Jo-Lewis.

It won’t be news to people in the sector that ‘strategic partnerships’ between like-minded countries is one of the most important pieces of the global critical minerals puzzle. Investment dollars are needed to get new projects off the ground, and to support the incredible innovation being delivered in processing, manufacturing and further down the supply chain.

AusMM CEO Stephen Durkin FAusIMM spoke with Chair Lewis about the importance of targeted investment to build out Australia’s niche capabilities and competitive advantages in a host of areas – a message backed up by Rio Tinto’s Chief Scientist Nigel Steward, and later by McKinsey’s Ken Hoffman, when they discussed the steps needed to determine local strengths, identify addressable markets and build win-win partnerships with investors, customers and governments around the world.

AusIMM CEO Stephen Durkin and United States Export Import Bank (EXIM) Chair and President Reta Jo-Lewis. 

The conference wasn’t just about conversations, there was action too. AusIMM and our partners connected Chair Lewis with local businesses looking for US investment, to policymakers for updates on the industry’s long-term development and to our leading scientists and innovators making it all possible. 

You can read more about Chair Lewis’ time in Australia here: https://www.exim.gov/news/export-import-bank-chair-lewis-strengthens-critical-minerals-partnerships-australia