Critical minerals: How the proposed framework with US came about, why ministry told Herald to destroy sensitive information
Ministerial briefings reveal how a proposed arrangement with the United States on critical minerals came about, what a draft version included, and its potential risks. He told the Herald the “frequent narrative” of the Government that critical minerals were essential for transitioning to clean energy “masks a more sinister purpose”. Photo / Marty MelvilleThe global backdropDemand for critical minerals has grown in recent years. Last year, the Government released a minerals strategy and critical minerals list, identifying 37 minerals “vital to the economy and susceptible to supply chain risks”. The paper included the name of the proposed framework - “United States-New Zealand Framework For Securing of Supply in the Mining and Processing of Critical Minerals and Rare Earths”.
Source: New Zealand Herald April 12, 2026 18:32 UTC
