Radio Brisvaani
Melbourne, October 30(Australia India News Newsdesk)
Australia and India are exploring wider cooperation in critical minerals, rare earths and advanced mining technologies, with a series of meetings involving government representatives, industry leaders and research institutions during the visit of India’s Union Minister for Coal and Mines, G. Kishan Reddy, to Melbourne.
Reddy’s engagements included a strategic roundtable at Monash University on October 29, 2026, where discussions focused on bilateral cooperation in critical minerals, mining innovation, sustainable resource development, joint research and capacity building.
The Minister also visited the university’s research facilities to examine its technological capabilities and ongoing research. The visit provided an opportunity to explore partnerships between Australian and Indian universities, research organisations and mining companies, particularly in technology development and knowledge exchange.
Another key engagement was the Australia-India Critical Minerals and Rare Earths Roundtable, co-chaired by Reddy and Australian Assistant Minister for Resources, Senator the Hon. Anthony Chisholm, on the sidelines of the International Mining and Resources Conference (IMARC) 2026.
The roundtable examined opportunities for investment, technology partnerships, mineral exploration and processing. Participants also discussed the need to develop sustainable and resilient supply chains for critical minerals and rare earths, which are increasingly important to modern industries.
During the conference, Reddy met representatives of leading Australian mining and resources companies, including BHP, Bravus, Metso, Core Resources and High Titanium Resources and Technology Ltd. He invited Australian businesses to increase their investment and participation in India’s expanding mining and minerals sector.
The Minister also visited exhibition stalls, including that of the University of New South Wales (UNSW), and interacted with delegates on developments in critical minerals, advanced mining technologies, research and innovation.
Critical minerals and rare earths are essential to the production of electric vehicles, batteries, renewable energy systems and advanced industrial products. Australia’s mineral reserves, established mining industry and research capabilities provide opportunities for cooperation with India, which is seeking to strengthen its access to these resources and develop its domestic mineral processing capabilities.
The engagements at Monash University and IMARC 2026 highlighted the expanding scope of Australia-India cooperation in the resources sector. Investment, research partnerships, technology transfer and sustainable mining practices are among the areas offering potential for closer collaboration.
The discussions also reflected the shared interest of both countries in building dependable mineral supply chains and developing long-term partnerships to support their industrial and clean energy ambitions.
