Australia’s federal parliament is set to examine the role of critical minerals in the nation’s economic future, with the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Primary Industries announcing its first public hearing as part of a broader inquiry.
According to the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Primary Industries, the hearing will take place on 26 March and will focus on factors shaping social licence and economic development outcomes for critical minerals projects across the country.
The committee will hear evidence from the Department of Industry, Science and Resources, whose submission highlights the importance of critical minerals within the Australian Government’s $22.7 billion Future Made in Australia Plan.
The department stated that “critical minerals are a cornerstone of the FMA,” noting that processing capabilities have been identified as a priority under the National Interest Framework due to supply chain vulnerabilities.
The submission also pointed to potential growth in both the export of raw critical minerals and opportunities to expand downstream refining and processing industries in Australia.
Committee Chair Meryl Swanson said critical minerals play an essential role in multiple sectors, including advanced technologies and energy systems. “Critical minerals are a cornerstone of the modern economy—critical to developments in AI, defence and renewable energy,” Swanson said. “They present enormous opportunities for Australia, but also real challenges.”
She added that maintaining community support would be central to the sector’s development. “Ensuring the social licence of critical mineral projects will be key to maximising benefits while minimising impacts,” Swanson said.
The inquiry is examining how Australia can balance economic opportunities with social and environmental considerations as demand for critical minerals continues to grow globally.
The public hearing will be held at Parliament House in Canberra and will be available via live broadcast, with further details and submission information published on the inquiry website, according to the House of Representatives.
