Australia Tightens Control on Rare Earths Market, Orders Chinese Investors to Divest

Australia’s treasurer issued orders for investors with Chinese ties to divest from a domestic rare earths company with A$53.3 million in assets. The move aims to strengthen local control as global supply chains shift and the US taps into Australian sources. Analysts suggest this is a strategy to diversify the rare earth supply chain, with potential risks of retaliation from China. Treasurer Jim Chalmers directed investors in Perth-based Northern Minerals to dispose of 1.68 billion shares, equivalent to 17.6% of the company’s total. These orders, made under the Foreign Acquisitions and Takeovers Act, must be carried out within 14 days….