The House of Representatives Standing Committee on Primary Industries has launched an inquiry into the factors shaping social licence and economic development outcomes for critical minerals projects across Australia, including their role in domestic manufacturing and industrial supply chains.
According to the House of Representatives, the inquiry will examine how critical minerals projects can deliver economic benefits while maintaining community confidence, with written submissions sought to help inform the committee’s findings.
Committee Chair Meryl Swanson said critical minerals were central to Australia’s economic position and to industries that rely on advanced manufacturing and technology inputs.
“Critical minerals are vital to the economic development of Australia and the world,” Swanson said. “They underpin technologies integral to modern communications, manufacturing, transport, energy and defence.”
She said Australia’s resource base provided both economic and strategic advantages, but noted that development outcomes depended on how projects were delivered.
“They also provide Australia – a country rich in critical minerals – with a key competitive advantage, economically and strategically,” Swanson said.
The committee said the inquiry would also consider the social and regional impacts of critical minerals projects, particularly in areas where new developments may contribute to local employment and skills formation.
“Just as important, critical minerals offer significant opportunities for regional development, job creation, and skills growth, particularly in remote and Indigenous communities,” Swanson said.
“A vital factor in delivering benefits that are both economically and socially sustainable is ensuring that critical mineral projects are developed responsibly, with strong community engagement and social licence.”
Swanson said achieving these outcomes would require cooperation across different levels of government and stakeholders.
“Capturing these development opportunities will require co-ordinated policy and effective collaboration across all jurisdictions,” she said.
The committee has invited written submissions addressing the inquiry’s terms of reference by Friday, 27 February 2026.
Submissions are being encouraged from a broad range of stakeholders, including government bodies, peak industry organisations, mining companies, local communities, Indigenous organisations and academic experts.
Further information about the inquiry, including the full terms of reference and details on how to make a submission, is available through the inquiry’s website, according to the House of Representatives.
