Resources and mining ministers from the federal, state and territory governments in Australia have expressed their support for the nation’s critical minerals sector and reaffirmed a commitment to attracting foreign investment for resources projects.
The ministers convened for a roundtable in Brisbane on the sidelines of the World Mining Congress, which convened mining executives, inventors, and decision-makers from all over the globe.
At the roundtable, Minister for Resources and Northern Australia Madeleine King updated state and territory ministers on the new Australian Critical Minerals Strategy, which sets a vision to build the sector and downstream processing of critical minerals and strengthen international partnerships and supply chains.
“The Strategy sets out a plan for how Australia can become a globally significant producer of raw and processed critical minerals and boost economic opportunities for First Nations people and across regional communities,” Minister King said.
“Through the Resources Ministers’ Roundtable, we are working to build a common understanding of how Governments can maximise these opportunities for the benefit of all Australians,” the minister added.
Ministers also discussed the development of a national Future Gas Strategy, which will define the future role of gas in supporting Australia’s energy system to reach 82 per cent renewables by 2030.
In her speech addressing the World Mining Congress, Minister King said the global transition towards clean energy and lower emissions will require more mining to meet the demand for low-emissions technologies.
Mining and downstream processing companies are needed to do more to reduce emissions and minimise harmful impacts on the environment and biodiversity.
“With the world on the cusp of an energy transformation, these are exciting times for the global mining sector. There are vast opportunities ahead for Australia in this transformation,” Minister King said.
“Fully realising them, however, will involve mining companies embracing new responsibilities and obligations.
“These include a commitment to enhancing our environmental and social governance credentials and serious pledges to reduce carbon emissions at source and downstream.”
