New Report Published: Australia’s Critical Mineral Policy – From Resource Powerhouse to Global Partner

Australia stands at the heart of the global critical minerals transition — and the MINRIS Australia Mineral Policy Report delivers an in-depth exploration of how this resource-rich nation is reshaping its mining laws, investment frameworks, and international partnerships to meet the moment.

Now available for purchase, this report unpacks the policies, laws, and strategies driving Australia’s critical minerals sector — a cornerstone of both its domestic economy and global decarbonisation ambitions.

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Table of Content

Introduction
 1.1 General
 1.2 Structure of the Report
 1.3 Mineral Economy of Australia

Policy Framework
 2.1 Australian Government Policy Towards Mining and International Investment
 2.2 Critical Minerals Strategy and National Initiatives
 2.3 Recent Political Developments Affecting the Mining Industry
 2.4 Restrictions on Foreign Investment

Legal Framework
 3.1 Legal System
 3.2 Ownership of Minerals
  3.2.1 Rights to Use Surface of Land
  3.2.2 Foreign and Indigenous Ownership Requirements and Restrictions
 3.3 Basic Law
  3.3.1 Mineral Resources (Sustainable Development) Act 1990
  3.3.2 Mining Act 1978 (Western Australia)
  3.3.3 Offshore Minerals Act 1994
 3.4 Other Relevant Legislation

Responsible Ministries and Authorities

Permitting Procedure
 5.1 Overview
 5.2 Exploration
  5.2.1 Terms and Conditions of Exploration Licences
  5.2.2 Obligations of Licence Holders
 5.3 Mining
  5.3.1 Mining Leases and Tenements
  5.3.2 Processing, Refining, and Export Controls
 5.4 Environmental and Indigenous Consultation Requirements
 5.5 Royalties, Taxes, and Financial Instruments

Mining Cadastre and Data Systems

Mineral Resource Potential

List of Critical Minerals References

Contact and Institutional Framework
 9.1 Federal Government Departments
 9.2 State and Territory Authorities
 9.3 Industry Associations and Advocacy Platforms

Summary and Conclusion
References

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Key Value Highlights

Australia’s Strategic Role in the Global Critical Minerals Ecosystem

The report outlines how Canberra has positioned critical minerals at the centre of its economic and security agenda.
Through the Critical Minerals Strategy (2023–2030), Australia aims to not just extract but process, refine, and supply key materials — lithium, rare earths, nickel, cobalt, and vanadium — vital to global clean energy, defence, and high-tech manufacturing.

Investor Certainty through Legal and Fiscal Stability

Australia’s legal system offers some of the world’s most secure frameworks for mineral ownership and licensing.
The report details how state-based mining acts — such as the Mining Act 1978 (WA) and Mineral Resources (Sustainable Development) Act 1990 (VIC) — underpin regulatory clarity and consistent permitting. Royalties and taxation regimes are predictable, making Australia a top-tier destination for international investment.

Environmental Stewardship and Indigenous Engagement

Australia continues to balance economic opportunity with environmental and social accountability.
The report examines the evolving integration of ESG standards, native title frameworks, and rehabilitation obligations — ensuring that mining growth aligns with sustainability and community benefit.

Partnerships Driving Downstream Value

With the U.S., Japan, India, and the EU seeking to diversify supply chains, Australia’s policy is shifting from “dig and ship” to value-add and collaborate.
The report highlights federal incentives through programs like the Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility and Critical Minerals Facility, which support domestic processing projects and cross-border strategic partnerships.

Data Transparency and Modern Cadastre Systems

Australia’s Mining Cadastre and Geoscience Data Portals (e.g., Geoscience Australia and AUSGIN) are showcased as global benchmarks for transparency, accessibility, and investor confidence — key enablers for exploration and regulatory efficiency.

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Why This Report Matters

For policymakers, it decodes how Australia’s mineral policy framework is balancing security, sustainability, and economic competitiveness.
For investors, it identifies which minerals, jurisdictions, and incentives are poised to define the next decade of Australian mining.
For industry stakeholders, it serves as a roadmap to navigate permitting, ESG compliance, and partnership development across Australia’s federated governance system.

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Invest strategically. Develop sustainably. Partner globally.
The MINRIS Australia Mineral Policy Report 2025 is your essential guide to understanding how the world’s leading mining nation is evolving to meet the critical minerals challenge — and shaping the future of secure, responsible resource supply.