The U.S. and Canada signed a memorandum of understanding to provide a framework addressing the growing global demand for energy mineral resources.

U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Energy Resources Francis Fannon and Canadian Associate Deputy Minister of Natural Resources Shawn Tupper signed the memorandum in Washington, D.C., according to a Dec. 18 release from the U.S. Department of State. The document encourages responsible and sustainable mining practices, supports mineral supply chains and creates strategies to meet demand for clean energy technology.

The agreement is the second to come out of the new Energy Resources Governance Initiative, which the U.S. started in June. Countries involved with the initiative seek to encourage an even global playing field for critical energy mineral development and distribution, according to the release.

In November, the U.S. and Australia established a partnership to develop their critical mineral assets.