The Australian federal government announced $243 million (US$176 million) in funding for four critical mineral refining projects to break the country’s near full reliance on China for the products. Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the projects, that are expected to create over 3,400 jobs, were key to securing domestic manufacturing in Australia. “These projects are about manufacturing the products and materials Australians need and the world needs, by making them right here at home,” he said. “We’re helping grow the local critical minerals processing and clean energy industries and locking in the future of those industries by backing manufacturing projects in Australia.” Energy Minister Angus Taylor said the projects will help Australia become more energy self sufficient and less reliant on the global supply chain. “Australia is lucky to have some of the largest reserves of the critical minerals and metals which drive the modern global economy,” he said. “But …