Export-Import Bank of the U.S. Chair Lewis Strengthens Critical Minerals Partnerships in Australia
Washington, D.C. – Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM) President and Chair Reta Jo Lewis travelled to Brisbane and Sydney, Australia last week to deliver keynote remarks at the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (AUSIMM) conference and highlight how the United States and Australia collaborate to bolster critical mineral supply chains during government and private sector meetings.
“The Export-Import Bank of the United States is committed to working with our partners in Australia to bolster our critical minerals supply chains at a crucial time for our shared economic security,” said Chair Lewis. “It was a pleasure to underscore how EXIM’s flexible financing options support critical minerals projects and green technologies that create shared prosperity for local communities in the United States and Australia.”
“The United States and Australia are working closely to create diverse and sustainable critical minerals supply chains,” said U.S. Ambassador Caroline Kennedy. “EXIM plays an essential role in facilitating investment in strategic critical minerals projects in both our countries.”
On Monday, Chair Lewis delivered keynote remarks at the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy Conference, where she highlighted U.S. – Australia collaboration in strengthening critical minerals supply chains and enhancing clean energy. Chair Lewis followed her keynote with a discussion with Rio Tinto Chief Scientist Nigel Steward. She also met with Minister for Resources and Critical Minerals Scott Stewart and other representatives in Queensland to develop government-to-government connections for partnership in critical minerals projects. While in Brisbane, Chair Lewis participated in a round of mining company pitches organized by Minister Stewart that illustrate the breadth of the mining industry and need for EXIM financing in such heightened competition.
On Tuesday, Chair Lewis held meetings with private sector representatives to discuss how EXIM’s China and Transformational Exports Program (CTEP) unlocks financing flexibilities for critical minerals projects such as longer repayment tenors and reduced fees that help make EXIM’s financing solution more competitive.
On Wednesday, Chair Lewis met in Sydney with Export Finance Australia (EFA) Managing Director John Hopkins, Chief Investment Officer Amanda Copping and other representatives, along with other representatives to explore new avenues for collaboration in critical minerals partnerships. Chair Lewis reaffirmed EXIM’s commitment to bilateral cooperation in supporting critical minerals projects. EFA and EXIM further enhanced their strong bilateral relationship by officially announcing the single point of entry (SPE) for critical minerals, previously announced in October 2023 by President Biden and Prime Minister Albanese, as a one-stop-shop for critical mineral financing. Chair Lewis then met with Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Shemara Wikramanayake, of Macquarie Group Limited to discuss financing solutions for critical minerals projects.
On Thursday, Chair Lewis met with Bechtel Australia Managing Director Shaun Kenny, where she discussed EXIM’s financing solutions for the mining and energy sectors. She also participated in meetings hosted by representatives from Austrade Australia, who invited private sector companies to present to EXIM for investment and reinforced how EXIM’s flexible financing solutions can complement other financing sources for critical minerals projects.
ABOUT EXIM:
The Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM) is the nation’s official export credit agency with the mission of supporting American jobs by facilitating U.S. exports. To advance American competitiveness and assist U.S. businesses as they compete for global sales, EXIM offers financing including export credit insurance, working capital guarantees, loan guarantees, and direct loans. As an independent federal agency, EXIM contributes to U.S. economic growth by supporting tens of thousands of jobs in exporting businesses and their supply chains across the United States. Learn more at www.exim.gov.
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