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澳批准中国对澳锂矿生产商投资,被指立场发生转变
Sou Hu Cai Jing·2025-08-08 17:57

Group 1 - The Albanese government unexpectedly approved Chinese investment in Australian lithium producer Liontown Resources, marking a shift in its previous stance against foreign investment in critical mineral projects [1][3] - Canmax Technologies, a Chinese battery mineral supplier, will acquire nearly 2% of Liontown for approximately AUD 50 million, while the National Reconstruction Fund Corporation also invested AUD 50 million in the same company [1][3] - The approval of Canmax's investment indicates a softening of the government's previous informal ban on Chinese investments in key mineral projects, which had been in place for most of Albanese's term [1][3] Group 2 - Liontown's spokesperson emphasized the strategic value of a diversified investor base, stating that the financing plan could attract various international investors [3] - The investment from Canmax is part of Liontown's AUD 266 million financing plan aimed at improving its balance sheet [1][3] - The Australian government plans to support critical mineral producers, particularly in rare earth projects, to reduce Beijing's dominance in the supply chain [3][5] Group 3 - China is the largest producer of most critical minerals, which are essential for global energy transition and military equipment manufacturing [4] - Fortescue, an iron ore exporter, announced it secured a loan of 3 billion RMB from several Chinese banks, marking the first time an Australian company has obtained a RMB-denominated syndicated loan [7][8] - The fixed interest rate for Fortescue's loan is 3.8%, the lowest cost of debt in the company's history, indicating a strong alignment with Chinese partners [9]