Strategic Importance of Rare Earths Webinar, November 2025

Rare earths, a topic of immense and growing global relevance, attracted more than 60 participants worldwide to this week’s webinar. With two outstanding speakers and highly engaged attendees, the German Australian Business Council was pleased to see such strong interest and a rich, insightful discussion.

Moderated by our Board Members, Matthew Reynolds and Dietrich Klusemann, the session began with Alina Pieper, CEO of IEM Experts in Germany. Alina delivered a compelling overview of how the Western world became so dependent on rare earth elements, highlighting that few everyday products function without them. While Western democracies often operate within short electoral cycles, China has worked with decades-long strategic horizons, positioning itself as the “silent dealer” and making Western economies “dangerously addictive” to rare earths.

Our second speaker, Darryl Cuzzubbo, CEO of Australian mining company Arafura, and an industry veteran with more than 30 years of experience, outlined the dramatic surge in demand expected over the coming decades. The next ten years will be driven primarily by EVs; the decade after by EVs and robotics; and within 30 years, robotics — particularly humanoid robotics — is set to dominate. The humanoid market alone is projected to reach USD 5 trillion by 2050.

Arafura’s Nolans Project in Australia’s Northern Territory — only the third mine-to-oxide project of its kind globally — is now fully funded and moving toward development. With the average mine taking 18 years to reach production, both speakers emphasised the urgent need for political and commercial speed.

An eye-opening discussion on a topic that will shape industries, economies, and technologies for years to come — far more than many of us realise.

The recording is available upon request. Please email info@gabc.eu for access.