The delegation included 10 Australian critical minerals companies (with Australian-domiciled projects) who are actively seeking investment and/or offtake/equity agreements in the Japanese market. All delegation members had been identified by Japanese stakeholders as having ‘projects of interest.’
Cobalt Blue was thrilled to participate in these discussions, which provided further opportunity to present the Broken Hill Cobalt Project to the Japanese Government, investors, and potential project partners.
Over the course of the 5-day program, meetings were held with many of the major trading houses, battery producers, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), relevant government organisations, and banks. All meetings were well received and highlight a strong interest among corporates who are dependent on battery minerals. A re-positioning of their purchasing strategies aims to address supply chain risks, the multiple implications of the US Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), and other global legislation.
Andrew Tong (COB Executive Manager) commented: “The global battery materials supply chain is rapidly evolving and the relationship between Australia and Japan is integral to ensuring the world has adequate access to responsibly sourced products.”
