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Western Australia and France to accelerate cooperation on critical minerals
Western Australia and France signed a joint communiqué to strengthen critical minerals supply chains, research, skills and trade opportunities.
Western Australia has strengthened its ties with France following the signing of a joint communiqué aimed at building more resilient critical minerals supply chains, strengthening research and skills, and unlocking trade and investment opportunities.
The Letter of Intent (LOI) highlights Western Australia's commitment to sustainable and responsible mining practices while deepening co-operation in areas critical to the global energy transition.
Benjamin Gallezot, France's Interministerial Delegate for Strategic Minerals and Metals Supplies, said:
“This Letter of Intent marks an important step towards diversifying our critical minerals supply chains and strengthening our industrial capabilities.”
Western Australian State Development Minister David Michael co-signed the LOI at the International Mining and Resources Conference + Expo in Sydney on Wednesday, 28 October 2026.
Strengthening Critical Minerals Supply Chains and Industrial Cooperation
The partnership aims to create opportunities to strengthen collaboration across downstream and midstream processing, recycling and other value-adding activities, supporting local jobs, building industry capability, and contributing to a more resilient critical minerals supply chain.
Minister Michael added:
“Strengthening collaboration with France will support investment, innovation, and industry development across the critical minerals value chain.”
It also highlights Western Australia's strategic importance to international partners and its role in international critical minerals supply chains.
The agreement combines Western Australia's mining expertise and growing capability in processing its significant endowment of critical raw materials, with France's expertise in mineral processing, metallurgy, engineering, and industrial technologies.
Benjamin Gallezot highlighted the scope of the partnership:
“By pursuing a comprehensive co-operation across the entire value chain, from industry to R&D, this Letter of Intent is the foundation for a balanced partnership between France and Western Australia.”
Bilateral Trade and Investment Opportunities
France is Australia's tenth-largest source of foreign direct investment, with two-way trade between Western Australia and France valued at more than $900 million.
The LOI provides a framework to deepen bilateral trade, investment and collaboration, supporting Western Australia's economic diversification while contributing to France's clean energy and industrial resilience ambitions.
These opportunities also align with the broader EU–Australia Free Trade Agreement, which includes provisions supporting critical minerals trade and cooperation on energy transition supply chains.
More than 50 French companies are active in or export to Western Australia, while more than 20 Western Australian companies operate in or export to France, demonstrating the strength of the existing commercial relationship and the potential for future growth.
The development also comes amid growing European business engagement in Western Australia, including the recent establishment of a European Chambers Alliance, of which FACCI WA is a member.
Explore Critical Minerals Opportunities in Western Australia
Interested in exploring opportunities in Western Australia's critical minerals sector?
Through its Energy & Resources Committee and Western Australia network, FACCI facilitates connections between French and Australian businesses, industry leaders and relevant stakeholders.
Contact our Western Australia team to explore potential connections and opportunities for collaboration.
