Four Corners on ABC and ABC iview S64E40 – As Australia signs a landmark deal to bolster its alliance with Washington, we’re selling China the critical minerals it needs to build hypersonic missiles and nuclear technology.
This geopolitical double game is the focus of the last Four Corners for 2025.
Reporter Angus Grigg and the team have spent months poring over corporate documents to trace the journey of zirconium from the mineral sands of WA all the way to Beijing where it disappears into China’s supply chain.
This mineral, used mainly in bathroom tiles and toilets, is also central to advanced weapons systems and nuclear reactors.
Trading Fire questions if greater export controls are needed for Australia’s critical minerals especially for those with potential military applications.
Trading Fire is reported by Angus Grigg and produced by Alex McDonald airs Monday 3 November at 8.30pm on ABC TV and ABC iview. See more at abc.net.au/news and on ABC News social media platforms.
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Four Corners on ABC and ABC iview S64E40
