India, Australia, Japan, and the United States on Tuesday launched the Quad Critical Minerals Initiative Framework, committing to mobilise up to USD 20 billion in government and private sector funding to build secure and resilient critical minerals supply chains across the Indo-Pacific. The announcement followed the Quad Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, where the four countries agreed on the framework aimed at strengthening critical mineral supply chains that are vital for advanced technologies, economic development, and industrial resilience.

According to a statement from India’s Ministry of External Affairs, the initiative seeks to leverage coordinated investments and economic policy measures to promote diversified, transparent, and reliable critical mineral markets while ensuring steady supplies essential for regional economic growth and security. The framework outlines cooperation in three major areas: investment and project development, regulatory coordination, and recycling and recovery of critical minerals.

Under the initiative, the Quad partners plan to mobilise up to USD 20 billion through existing and new government and private sector efforts focused on mining, processing, and recycling. This includes identifying strategic projects linked to Quad countries, supporting critical mineral ventures, and exploring new methods to attract private investment and reinforce supply chains across the region.

The countries also aim to improve the regulatory environment for critical mineral development in line with their domestic laws by exchanging best practices on licensing, permitting, and regulatory procedures, including ways to streamline approvals. They will additionally cooperate on technology development, geological mapping, and resource assessment.

The statement added that the Quad members will examine coordinated responses to non-market policies and unfair trade practices, including the possibility of high-standard marketplaces and pricing mechanisms. The partners further intend to strengthen the recovery and recycling of critical minerals from e-waste and scrap materials by encouraging investment in recycling technologies, collection systems, and recovery infrastructure in collaboration with the private sector. The Quad countries will promote innovation in e-waste recycling and explore ways to simplify export and import procedures for relevant waste and scrap materials, while remaining consistent with domestic regulations and international obligations.