Queensland Boosts ESG Standards in Critical Minerals Sector

• Partnership established to elevate environmental, social, and governance (ESG) capability within’ Queensland's critical minerals sector.
  
• Delivered under Queensland Critical Minerals Strategy.
• ESG is a key comparative advantage for Queensland as it enters global critical minerals race.

The Miles Government and the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (AusIMM) have partnered to increase environmental, social, and governance (ESG) capability, awareness and knowledge sharing within the state’s critical minerals sector.

The Miles Government's $1 million investment, as part of the Queensland Critical Minerals Strategy, will establish a formal ESG Advisory Panel comprising representatives from government, industry, academia, and the community, demonstrating a commitment to fostering ESG excellence and attracting sustainable investment in the state's critical minerals sector.

Other key initiatives include:

• Reviewing domestic and international current state and trends in ESG.
• Baselining Queensland’s critical minerals industry ESG capability.
• Developing capability uplift strategies, tools and guidance materials.
• Establishing an ESG industry excellence award.

Responsible investment is a growing consideration as investors look beyond financial performance to the sustainability and ethics of resource companies.

Without a focus on building our ESG capability, our critical minerals industry risks falling behind global standards, losing competitive edge, and potentially facing barriers in international markets.

In alignment with the Queensland Resources Industry Development Plan (QRIDP) commitments to establish an ESG Expert Advisory Panel and enhance ESG credentials, the Queensland Critical Minerals Strategy (QCMS) has reinforced this commitment through this new partnership with industry to achieve ESG excellence.

Quotes attributable to the Resources and Critical Minerals Minister Scott Stewart

“As the resources industry navigates an increasingly ESG-conscious landscape, it's essential that we not only prepare for but also seize the opportunities presented by investors, customers, and global jurisdictions,” he said.

“Through collaborative research and tailored solutions, we aim to equip Queensland's critical minerals sector with the tools and knowledge needed to thrive in today's evolving landscape.

“One of our greatest assets lies in our strong ESG credentials, and we are fully committed enhancing our bold ESG brand for our resources industry, showcasing the strength of our business practices.

“This is yet another action that has made substantial progress in less than 12 months since we launched the $315 million Queensland Critical Minerals Strategy to kick-start the next chapter in Queensland’s resources story.”

Quotes attributable to AusIMM CEO Stephen Durkin:

 "AusIMM is proud to partner with the Queensland Government in this initiative. Our shared ambition is to ensure Queensland's critical minerals sector is not just globally competitive, but a global leader in ESG excellence. This is about creating a legacy of responsible resource development that delivers economic prosperity, environmental stewardship, and enduring benefits for Queensland communities."

"As the peak body for resources professionals, AusIMM understands the fundamental importance of environmental, social and governance performance in our sector. Technical excellence and ethical professionalism are at the core of what we do. We are committed to empowering our 15,000+ members with the knowledge and skills to elevate ESG performance across the entire value chain. This partnership is a testament to our dedication to fostering a sector that thrives on innovation, expertise, and ethical practice."

"The global race for critical minerals is intensifying, and ESG capability will be key for Queensland's competitive edge. This investment is not just about meeting standards, it's about setting new benchmarks. By investing in resources professionals and lifting the sector’s ESG capabilities, we are placing Queensland at the forefront of responsible, sustainable, and future-focused resource development."

"ESG is not a constraint, it's an advantage and an opportunity for growth. By building ESG excellence into the DNA of our critical minerals sector, we are creating a model for responsible resource development deliver by the highly skilled people who choose to pursue careers in our sector.

ENDS

Media contact: Kash Greene - 0450 507 496