Ardea Resources (ASX:ARL) reports that the Kalgoorlie Nickel Project (KNP) – Goongarrie Hub has been outlined in the Joint Fact Sheet for Japan-US Critical Minerals Project Cooperation that was released on 20 March 2026 by Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry (METI) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan (MOFA).
The joint fact sheet lists potential projects that can contribute to a stronger critical minerals supply chain between allied countries and has been released following a summit held between Japan’s Prime Minister, Sanae Takaichi and US President, Donald Trump on 19 March 2026.
The fact sheet comes alongside an action plan to strengthen secure and diversified critical minerals supply chains for Japan, the US, and other global markets.
Ardea notes that the KNP has been recognised for its international cooperation, specifically on Ardea’s Japanese incorporated joint venture partners, Sumitomo Metal Mining (TYO:5713) and Mitsubishi Corporation (TYO:8058), as well as its support from Export Finance Australia, US Export Import Bank, and the Japanese Government who, through METI, contributed to 50% of the Goongarrie Hub Definitive Feasibility Study $98.5 million budget.
Managing Director and CEO Andrew Penkethman says that Ardea is pleased to be acknowledged in this joint fact sheet noting the “global significance of the Kalgoorlie Nickel Project”.
“The Ardea team look forward to continued collaboration between Australia, Japan, and the US in advancing the Goongarrie Hub toward development, to help ensure a critical mineral supply chain involving all three nations.”
Ardea Resources is an Australian nickel development company working in joint venture with Sumitomo Metal Mining and Mitsubishi Corporation.
Write to Amy Rotman at Mining.com.au
Images: Ardea Resources



