BERLIN, Aug 26 (Reuters) - Germany and Canada agreed on

Tuesday to deepen cooperation on critical minerals amid growing

global concern over China's export curbs and Berlin's push to

reduce dependence on single sources.

Critical minerals like lithium, rare earth elements, copper,

tungsten, gallium, germanium, and nickel are vital for Canada

and Germany's defence systems, clean energy technologies, and

advanced manufacturing.

China's April decision to halt exports of rare earths and

related magnets has disrupted global supply chains, dealing a

blow to automakers, aerospace firms, semiconductor producers,

and military contractors.

German Economy Minister Katharina Reiche and Canada's Energy

and Natural Resources Minister Tim Hodgson signed a declaration

of intent to strengthen cooperation on critical minerals,

focusing on midstream technologies such as processing, refining,

and recycling.

The countries will coordinate efforts on critical minerals

such as lithium, rare earth elements, copper, tungsten, gallium,

germanium, and nickel by advancing joint projects through both

public and private investment.

They also plan to encourage stronger commercial partnerships

and research collaboration between companies and financial

institutions.

The agreement is not legally binding and creates no

financial commitments, with funding for activities subject to

available appropriations and each country's domestic laws and

regulations.