It seems the US is on an equity shopping spree as Washington is reportedly offering to buy equity in Australian critical minerals companies.
Executives from an Australian delegation of 15 companies said US officials invited proposals for funding packages that could include straight debt, debt-plus-equity “kicker” structures, and prepaid offtakes to add to a defense stockpile, with an emphasis on projects ready by 2027.
Andrew Worland, CEO of International Graphite, described the pitch this way: “you come to us with a proposal and we’ll assess it and try and make it work through those various funding channels and programs that we have available to us.”
The delegation met senior administration officials including David Copley, who leads a National Security Council office on supply chains, and Joshua Kroon, deputy assistant secretary for critical minerals and metals at the International Trade Administration.
Cobalt Blue CEO Andrew Tong summed up the US stance, concluding that “the US government is open for business and they will use whatever financial instruments are appropriate or suitable on a case-by-case basis.”
This comes days after the government has already locked in 5% stakes each in Lithium Americas and its Thacker Pass joint venture with General Motors. This in itself follows earlier US government purchases of positions in Intel and MP Materials.
Officials and executives framed equity and offtake prepayments as tools to de-risk small, volatile markets—lithium, cobalt, and rare earths—whose prices complicate project financing, but where supply is essential for clean energy, semiconductors, and defense.
After the US imposed tariffs, China—dominant in rare earths and permanent magnets—tightened export controls, disrupting US and European automakers and underscoring the need for alternative supply chains.
The talks also intersect with Australia’s plan to sell shares in a new strategic reserve of critical minerals to allies, a potential bargaining chip for Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s October 20 meeting in Washington as the Trump administration reviews the AUKUS coalition.
Information for this story was found via Reuters and the sources mentioned. The author has no securities or affiliations related to the organizations discussed. Not a recommendation to buy or sell. Always do additional research and consult a professional before purchasing a security. The author holds no licenses.
