As Australia signs a landmark deal to bolster its alliance with Washington, we're selling China critical minerals that can be used 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.
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.