Leaders from Australia’s mining sector called on governments to act decisively in reforming approval processes and providing clear pathways for investment in critical minerals while speaking at the International Mining and Resources Conference and Expo (IMARC).

With rising demand for minerals that are essential to the world’s transition to renewable energy and technology, speakers at a keynote panel identified a number of barriers that continue to make it difficult to get critical projects off the ground.

They agreed that Australia’s chance to lead in this competitive market will depend on regulatory alignment, streamlined approvals, and stronger community engagement.

New South Wales Minerals Council CEO Stephen Galilee explained that regulatory delays and inconsistencies between federal and state processes were creating bottlenecks that could ultimately send investment elsewhere.

“My call to action would be for governments to walk the walk. Don’t just do the easy things. Do some of the hard things. Please just do some hard things that you think are politically risky to make these projects happen, or they aren’t going to happen, and the future won’t be possible,” he said.

“New South Wales has the potential to go from 12 or 15 critical minerals projects to double that number if we can get those approvals and that investment,” Galilee said, adding that while the New South Wales government had shown strong support, federal approval processes needed to align more closely, or risk stifling critical projects.

Rowena Smith, CEO of Australian Strategic Materials, added that the pace at which those approvals were received was equally important – especially securing critical minerals supply chains.

“The opportunity for improvement is speed, and that’s largely about administrative efficiencies and resourcing . . . getting that certainty here around the approvals is critical,” Smith said.

She emphasised that without faster pathways, Australia’s standing in the critical minerals sector could be quickly overshadowed by competing regions.

The industry leaders also acknowledged the role of public perceptions and community support in advancing the industry. Galilee shared recent polling showing record support for mining in New South Wales, with nearly 70% of residents backing the sector – the highest approvals in a decade.

He attributed this to consistent industry engagement and transparency around mining’s contributions to the local economy and global energy transition efforts.

“We’ve been running very positive messages about our industry, and these are scientific surveys done by independent polling companies. We should be proud of this story,” he said.

Melissa Winks, head of safety and sustainability at Newmont Australia, reinforced the need to balance environmental and economic imperatives. She noted that regulatory delays not only discouraged investment but also complicated community relationships by creating “engagement fatigue” in regions where mining companies operated.

“We must find a balance between environmental protection and economic opportunities that will allow our communities to thrive; delays and duplications in approvals are real disincentives to investment,” Winks said, adding that the industry needed to work closely with communities to shape a clear and positive narrative.

Through key collaborations between governments and businesses across the sector, industry leaders believe Australia can cement its role as a global powerhouse in the sustainable energy future.