Treasurer Heads to G7 Meeting in Washington For Rare Earth Talks

Jim Chalmers is expected share with his counterparts Australia’s plan to build a $1.2 billion critical minerals stockpile.Treasurer Jim Chalmers speaks in Question Time in the House of Representatives in Canberra, Australia on Nov. 4, 2025. Hilary Wardhaugh/Getty Images1/12/2026|Updated: 1/12/2026Australian Treasurer Jim Chalmers is heading to Washington for a G7 financial minister meeting to discuss rare earth with important allies.There, Chalmers is expected to share Australia’s plan to build a $1.2 billion (US$800 million) critical minerals stockpile aimed at reducing the country’s reliance on China for critical metals needed in the manufacture of defence equipment and renewable energy technology.Rex Widerstrom is a New Zealand-based reporter with over 40 years of experience in media, including radio and print. He is currently a presenter for Hutt Radio.Author’s Selected Articles