Critical minerals are essential for economic security, the global energy transition and the high‑tech industry. Vietnam and Australia are therefore working to deepen cooperation in energy, resources and mining technology, a move that could shape future jobs and technology in both countries.

IMARC 2026 in Sydney drew over 12,000 delegates from more than 120 countries, including 50 government groups. The 20,000 m² exhibition featured more than 500 suppliers of mining technology, equipment and services, emphasizing critical minerals.

Vietnamese Ambassador to Australia Pham Hung Tam met Australian Minister for Resources Madeleine King at IMARC 2026, and both leaders highlighted progress since the first Vietnam‑Australia Ministerial Dialogue on Energy and Minerals during the August state visit. That August visit produced a Joint Statement on economic resilience, deepening the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. The cooperation is also framed by the Vietnam‑Australia Enhanced Economic Engagement Strategy, which aims to boost government‑to‑business links, trade and investment in energy and mining.

During the conference, Tam also held talks with representatives from the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO), the Australian Coal Association and the New South Wales mining agency about research, mining technology and supply of coal and minerals to Vietnam. He further met leaders of Arafura, Lynas, Australian Rare Earths, Cobra and Australian Strategic Materials to explore investment and technology‑transfer opportunities across exploration, appraisal, mining, processing and refining of rare earths and other critical minerals.

The Vietnam‑Australia push on critical minerals matters because it links the growing global demand for these resources with secure supply chains for energy and high‑tech products. If the partnership succeeds, it could strengthen both countries’ economic security and support the worldwide transition to cleaner energy and advanced technologies.