Marubeni Invests in Australian Critical Minerals Project with RZ Resources

Strategic Investment in Australia’s Critical Minerals Sector

Marubeni Corporation has committed A$15 million to acquire up to a 5% equity stake in RZ Resources’ critical minerals project in New South Wales, Australia. The project includes developing the Copi Mine and upgrading a mineral processing plant in Brisbane, Queensland. Under the agreement, Marubeni also secures future marketing rights and the option for further equity participation, signaling its intent to strengthen Japan’s mineral supply chain.

The initiative will produce heavy mineral sands such as rutile, ilmenite, zircon, and monazite, key materials for aerospace, defence, and permanent magnet industries. As global supply chains tighten, this partnership positions both Marubeni and RZ Resources as major contributors to the diversification of critical mineral sources.

Japan Strengthens Critical Minerals Supply Chain with Marubeni and RZ Resources

In June 2025, JX Advanced Metals joined the project as a strategic partner, helping to advance the definitive feasibility study and environmental impact statement. Together, Marubeni, RZ Resources, and JX will enhance project efficiency and accelerate development toward commercial production.

This investment arrives as geopolitical tensions heighten global competition for rare earths and titanium—materials essential for advanced technologies. Japan, which depends almost entirely on imported critical minerals, views this collaboration as vital to its economic security and supply diversification strategy.

The project has attracted international financial interest, with letters of support from both the Export-Import Bank of the United States and Export Finance Australia, underscoring its strategic significance. Marubeni aims to expand further into midstream and downstream operations, building an integrated supply chain that delivers long-term value in growth sectors such as mining and materials processing.

SuperMetalPrice Commentary:

Marubeni’s investment in RZ Resources highlights Japan’s proactive stance in securing critical mineral independence amid rising geopolitical risks. By aligning with Australian partners and leveraging support from U.S. and Australian export agencies, Marubeni not only fortifies its strategic sourcing network but also positions itself at the center of a global shift toward supply chain resilience. As demand for titanium and rare earths accelerates, this project could become a model for public-private collaboration in critical mineral security.