When Anthony Albanese met with Donald Trump, the two leaders cut a deal on critical minerals worth $13 billion.

And as we settle into a new phase of the relationship with our most important ally – this is Australia’s crucial bargaining chip, as the US tries to break China’s grip on the supply chain of critical minerals.

China’s global domination has been in the works for decades – a grand plan that gives China ready access to materials essential for everything from fighter jets to wind turbines. It also gives Beijing extraordinary leverage over Western economies and defence forces.

Today, columnist for Australian Foreign Affairs Ian Verrender, on China’s long game on critical minerals domination – and the old pile of mining waste in Western Australia which could upend it.

This episode was originally published in July 2025.

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Guest: Columnist for Australian Foreign Affairs, Ian Verrender