Minister Madeleine King is visiting Canada and the United States from 3 to 8 March to discuss critical minerals essential for supporting eco-friendly technologies.
Her itinerary includes participation in the Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) conference and the 7th Annual International Mines Ministers Summit, where global mining challenges and opportunities will be addressed.
During her visit, Minister King will engage in discussions with Canadian Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, Jonathan Wilkinson, focusing on enhancing transparency in the mineral supply chain and advocating for elevated environmental and social standards within the industry.
In Washington DC, Minister King will co-chair the Principals Meeting of the Critical Minerals Taskforce, aiming to foster collaboration on addressing market disruptions and uncertainties.
Emphasising the importance of aligning international mineral pricing with high environmental and governance standards, she underscores Australia’s commitment to ensuring fair recognition for its superior workplace safety and conditions.
“Australia, Canada and the United States have a shared commitment to market transparency and diverse supply chains for critical minerals, and a shared interest in promoting recognition of the high environmental, social and governance standards in our respective resources sectors,” Minister King said.
“My talks in Canada and the United States will also discuss disruptions in global markets, and any opportunities to address market uncertainties.
She emphasised Australia’s unwavering dedication to maintaining the highest standards of workplace safety and environmental stewardship, asserting that the path to net-zero emissions necessitates a robust and sustainable minerals sector.
“It is of vital importance to the Australian resources and mineral processing industry that international pricing reflects the high ESG standards and commitment to sound workplace safety and worker conditions that all countries should aspire to,” King noted.
She added, “Consumers and investors around the world, seeking to reduce their carbon footprint and invest in green technology should have the opportunity to know their choices don’t sacrifice high environmental, social and governance standards.
According to her, it is essential that the prices paid for the nation’s minerals acknowledge the superior working conditions and stringent safety standards upheld by Australian workers.
Geoscience Australia collaborates closely with the US Geological Survey and participates in a trilateral agreement with the US and Canada regarding the Critical Minerals Mapping Initiative.
