AusIMM seeks member insights on professional pathways, post-mining land use and research and development priorities

As the peak body and trusted voice for resources professionals, AusIMM has a unique role to play shaping policy and informing public dialogue regarding our sector.

We do this by developing balanced, evidence-based policy proposals that advance the public interest and harness the expertise of our professional community.

We are an organisation and professional community that exists to advance the sector for the community’s benefit. We connect policymakers, industry leaders and technical experts from across all levels of government, industry and academia as part of our policy and advocacy initiatives. This extends beyond the sector to include partners and colleagues in higher education, regional development, energy and agriculture.

AusIMM Policy Forums: A new initiative to shape policy in the public interest

In 2025, AusIMM introduced ‘Policy Forums’, a new initiative to engage stakeholders and inform policy around three areas our professional community tell us are key to the future of our sector and its role in advancing the national interest.

Our inaugural Policy Forums have formed the basis for an ongoing program of policy development, government engagement and advocacy in the following vital areas: :

1. Professional pathways in the resources sector: Diversifying and expanding the training and education pathways into resources professions, including through vocational and higher education, advanced research, industry immersion and enhanced analysis of career journeys and workforce profiles.
2. Post-mining land use: Delivering beneficial and productive post-mining outcomes through regional planning and integration, policy and regulatory alignment, effective industry governance and collaboration.
3. Critical minerals research and development: Priorities for future research, development and investment in the critical minerals sector, focussing on areas such as enabling geoscience, mine waste and tailings, and capability uplift in fields including materials processing and byproduct recovery.

AusIMM collaborated closely with partners including the Australian Critical Minerals Research and Development Hub, Cooperative Research Centre for Transformation in Mining Economies (CRCTiME), EnviroMETS and our COI leaders to deliver these Forums.

Outcomes from each Forum have formed the basis for AusIMM participation in state and federal policymaking processes, including the Productivity Commission’s ‘Five Pillars’ Inquiry, state-led post-mining land use reviews and the Federal Government’s higher education review. Our expertise, and the perspective of our members, is in greater demand across government now than it has been for some time.

Emerging priorities and recommendations

The table below outlines some of key conclusions and priority areas for further policy development as we move into 2026.  

Creating opportunities to engage: Members invited to provide insights on Forum papers

AusIMM is now inviting all members to review the three Forum papers and share your insights, feedback, and commentary. Your input will help shape future policy and advocacy for the resources sector.

How to participate

• Read the Forum papers: Access the papers at the links below.
  • Professional Pathways
  • Post-Mining Land Use
  • Critical Minerals Research and Development
• Share your feedback:
• • Email your comments directly to policy@ausimm.com
  • Or connect with your local Branch or Society colleagues to discuss and submit group feedback.
• Get in touch by the deadline: Please submit your feedback by 30 January 2026. This will not be the last opportunity to contribute, but will be the ideal time before our 2026 industry and engagement initiatives commence.

Why participate?
Your expertise and perspective are vital to ensuring our policy recommendations reflect the needs and priorities of the professional community. Every contribution helps strengthen our sector’s voice in government and industry.

Need more information?
The Advocacy Team is available to brief branches and societies, host consultations, and answer any questions about the Forum program. Contact us at policy@ausimm.com to arrange a session.