A proposed framework from the Association of Mining and Exploration Companies (AMEC) urges the Federal Government to establish a national strategic reserve for critical minerals, with rare earths as the initial focus. The plan centres on stockpiling processed products such as NdPr oxide and separated heavy rare earths, rather than unprocessed ore, to buffer supply shocks in defence, EV and grid-scale magnet supply chains. AMEC also calls for long-term offtake contracts and storage facilities co-located with existing processing hubs to anchor new Australian rare earth projects.

The UK government’s Single Construction Regulator Prospectus, released just before Christmas, proposes consolidating fragmented oversight of building control and professional regulation, raising questions over how competence, registration and enforcement will be structured across contractors, consultants and inspectors. In parallel, the Competition & Markets Authority’s interim civil engineering market study report examines procurement practices, framework agreements and potential barriers to entry in major infrastructure work. Bishop & Taylor also use Kier’s recent appointment of a chief of staff to explore how centralised coordination roles might influence project governance and decision-making.

Western Australia has opened a new funding round under its Clean Energy Future Fund (CEFF), making $9 million available for clean energy projects that cut emissions or reduce energy costs. Mining, minerals processing and remote industrial operations are eligible, with typical projects including on-site solar and battery storage, high‑efficiency electrification of diesel loads, and demand‑side management technologies. The scheme targets projects that can be replicated across WA’s grid‑connected and off‑grid sites, signalling scope for miners to de‑risk low‑emission power trials at existing operations.