Reserves of critical minerals are front and center as President Donald Trump holds his first formal meeting with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Monday.

President Donald Trump and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese have signed a significant critical-minerals deal at the White House, as the U.S. seeks to secure Australia ’s rich rare-earth resources amidst China’s increasingly stringent export regulations.

The $8.5-billion deal comes as the White House seeks to reduce reliance on Chinese supply chains and as Australia looks to shore up ties with the U.S.

President Donald Trump and Australian Prime Minster Anthony Albanese signed an $8.5 billion deal Monday to provide the U.S. access to rare earths and critical minerals. Australia is one of the few countries aside from China that has the capacity to process rare earths,

The United States and Australia have extended financial support to several Australian companies as part of a wide-ranging critical minerals agreement signed on Monday with an aim of countering China's hold over the industry.

President Donald Trump said he wants to accelerate nuclear submarine deliveries to Australia under the AUKUS agreement during White House meeting.

"We rely on them more than most people realise," Dr. Hannah Carle said of rainforests, which are beginning to operate differently.