The Discovery: Australia controls 74% of the world's zirconium reserves — a little-known critical mineral essential for nuclear fuel rods and hypersonic missile components. Chinese firms have become major shareholders in two Western Australian mines producing this strategic material.

The Security Paradox: This is happening despite Australia being a core member of AUKUS, the security partnership with the U.S. and UK designed specifically to counter China's military expansion. Defense Minister Richard Marles admits: "China is our largest trading partner on the one hand, and our biggest source of security anxiety on the other."

The Russia Connection: China has increased its zirconium supply to Russia by 300% since the Ukraine war began. The parent company of one Australian miner is directly involved in this trade, meaning Australian minerals may be feeding Russian weapons systems.

Why It Matters: Up to 90% of global zirconium production goes to the nuclear industry. The mineral's unique properties make it irreplaceable for nuclear reactors, hypersonic vehicles that fly at 2,000°C, and advanced military systems. China imports over 95% of its zirconium needs.

If you're like most people, you've never given zirconium a second thought. You might have some in your bathroom tiles, your toilet, or even your dental crowns. It seems like the most ordinary material imaginable.

But this unassuming mineral has become central to one of the most significant national security concerns facing Australia — and the West — today.

An investigation by ABC's Four Corners program has revealed that Australian-mined zirconium is feeding China's weapons development, including its hypersonic missile program and nuclear technologies, even as Australia strengthens its strategic partnership with Washington through AUKUS.

The most shocking part? Chinese companies now control significant stakes in the Australian mines producing this strategic material, and they're shipping 100% of their output to China.

Zirconium might sound boring, but its properties make it absolutely critical for advanced military systems.

For Nuclear Programs: Zirconium's low neutron absorption and high thermal resistance make it indispensable for manufacturing nuclear fuel rods. "Historically, up to 90 percent of global zirconium production has been consumed by the nuclear industry," according to Stanford Advanced Materials.

The processed form, known as zirconium sponge, wraps nuclear fuel rods used in both civilian power plants and military reactors — including nuclear-powered submarines, aircraft carriers, and nuclear weapons programs.

For Hypersonic Missiles: The mineral's heat resistance makes it essential for hypersonic missile components, which must withstand temperatures exceeding 2,000 degrees Celsius during flight. These missiles can travel at five times the speed of sound and are nearly impossible to defend against.

A paper by China's National University of Defence Technology — a research arm of the People's Liberation Army — recently stated that the allocation and use of zirconium "has become a critical issue for ensuring national security and advancing military technological progress."

The paper added: "As a major importer and consumer of zirconium ... China is facing severe challenges to resource security."

Here's where things get interesting: Australia controls 74% of the world's zirconium reserves. China, by contrast, has less than 1% of global deposits.

Australia supplies 41-56% of China's zirconium imports, making it by far China's most important source for this........

© International Business Times