澳大利亚前财政部长、现任美国驻澳大使乔·霍基在卡尔古利采矿会议上强调，澳大利亚的稀土和关键矿物资源对全球具有重要战略意义[1]。霍基指出，一艘弗吉尼亚级潜艇就需要使用两吨关键矿物和稀土[1]，突显这些资源在美国军事装备中的关键作用。
在美国重新评估全球供应链的背景下，澳大利亚日益成为可信赖的替代供应来源[1]。霍基表示，美国政府四年前才意识到许多关键矿物主要来自中国[1]，这促使美国改变了投资政策，现已主动在澳大利亚投资当地企业[1]。美国和澳大利亚政府都在积极寻求摆脱与中国的采购协议[1]。霍基自2016年起担任澳大利亚驻美大使[1]，曾于2020年创立投资咨询集团Bondi Partners[1]。
Former Australian Treasurer and current U.S. Ambassador Joe Hockey has emphasized the critical importance of Australia's rare earth and critical mineral resources to global supply chains, particularly as the United States seeks to reduce its dependence on China.[1] Speaking at a mining conference in Kalgoorlie, Hockey highlighted that a single Virginia-class submarine requires approximately two tons of critical minerals and rare earths,[1] underscoring the strategic value of Australian resources for American military capabilities.
Hockey's comments reflect a broader shift in American policy toward supply chain security.[1] The U.S. government only became aware four years ago that many critical minerals were sourced from China,[1] prompting policymakers to reassess procurement strategies. Both the U.S. and Australian governments are now actively working to reduce their reliance on Chinese supply agreements.[1] In a sign of Washington's commitment, the American government has changed its investment approach and now actively invests in local Australian enterprises.[1]
Hockey, who has served as Australia's Ambassador to the United States since 2016,[1] brings substantial experience to these discussions. In 2020, he founded Bondi Partners, an investment advisory group.[1]