SYDNEY, Jan. 12 (Xinhua) -- Australia's minister for resources said on Monday that the federal government's critical minerals strategic reserve faces a "long road" before it generates revenue for the country.

Resources Minister Madeleine King, Treasurer Jim Chalmers and Don Farrell, minister for trade and tourism, on Monday said that the strategic reserve will be operational by the end of 2026 and will initially prioritize antimony, gallium and rare earth elements.

Under the government's proposal, the reserve will operate by securing rights to critical minerals produced in Australia and on-selling those rights to meet global demand.

King said at a press conference in Western Australia that the legislation to establish the reserve will also expand the powers of the existing government agency Export Finance Australia, allowing it to secure offtake agreements with other countries with fixed or floating prices for critical minerals.

Asked if the scheme will generate revenue for Australia, King said she is confident that it will have upside. ■