‘Real important’: Rare earths key to successful Albanese-Trump talks

United States Studies Centre’s Dr Harry Melkonian says a potential Australian offer of rare earth metals could be a key factor in ensuring a successful meeting between Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and US President Donald Trump.

“It’s real important because what’s happened is these rare earths are so critical in defence and high technology, and the Western world has basically let China have almost a monopoly on the refining,” Mr Melkonian said.

“The materials are found in lots of places, but to turn them into the rare earths, China has an enormous leverage right now, and everybody else has to play catch-up.”