Australia and Japan have beefed up their cooperation around critical minerals amid a state visit by Japan's prime minister, with the countries providing A$1.67 billion ($1.20 billion) in support for the sector and flagging more to come. Australia and Japan will focus on strategic projects to address the most urgent supply chain vulnerabilities \in mining, refining and manufacturing in the two countries, the Australian government said in a statement. Australia plans to provide up to A$1.3 billion, while the government of Japan has provided approximately A$370 million in investments and grants, and plans to provide further investments and grants as projects develop, the statement said.