- Letter of Intent deepens co-operation on critical minerals, research, skills, and investment
- Partnership will support DiversifyWA principles, creating opportunities for jobs and industry growth in Western Australia
- Agreement reinforces Western Australia's position as a trusted global supplier of critical raw materials and a partner of choice in the energy transition
Western Australia has strengthened its ties with France following the signing of a joint communique to build more resilient critical minerals supply chains, strengthen research and skills, as well as unlocking trade and investment opportunities.
The Letter of Intent (LOI) underscores Western Australia's commitment to sustainable and responsible mining practices while deepening co-operation in areas critical to the global energy transition.
Western Australia State Development Minister David Michael co-signed the LOI at the International Mining and Resources Conference + Expo in Sydney on Wednesday, 28 October 2026.
The partnership will 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.
It also highlights Western Australia's growing geopolitical and strategic importance to international partners, reinforcing our position as a trusted and reliable partner of choice.
The agreement combines Western Australia's world-leading 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.
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.
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.
As stated by State Development Minister David Michael:
"This Letter of Intent demonstrates the strategic importance of Western Australia in the global critical minerals sector and the growing interest from international partners in working with our State.
"Strengthening collaboration with France will support investment, innovation, and industry development across the critical minerals value chain.
"As demand for critical minerals continues to grow, Western Australia is well placed to leverage its resources, expertise, and industrial capability to support the energy transition.
"The Cook Labor Government is focused on building a more diversified economy, creating skilled jobs, and ensuring Western Australia remains at the forefront of industries that will power the future."
As stated by Interministerial Delegate for Ores and Metals Supplies Benjamin Gallezot:
"This Letter of Intent marks an important step towards diversifying our critical minerals supply chains and strengthening our industrial capabilities.
"It also underscores Australia's role as a key partner for France.
"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."
