Australia Orders Chinese Investors to Divest from Northern Minerals to Protect National Interests
Australia has mandated that Chinese-linked shareholders divest their stakes in Northern Minerals, a company involved in developing a rare earth mine. This decision, announced by Treasurer Jim Chalmers, is aimed at safeguarding Australia's national interests amid concerns over foreign control. Northern Minerals is working on the Browns Range project in Western Australia, which focuses on mining dysprosium and terbium, critical elements for high-performance magnets used in clean energy and defense applications. The order affects six companies, requiring them to sell their shares within two weeks. This move is part of Australia's broader strategy to limit Chinese influence in critical mineral sectors, ensuring compliance with its foreign investment framework. 
