Queensland critical minerals industry ESG capability findings released
AusIMM, in partnership with the Queensland Government, has completed a comprehensive assessment of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) capability across the Queensland critical minerals industry (QCMI).
The consultation was designed to do two things:
- establish a clear baseline of perceived ESG capability across the sector (so capability can be tracked over time), and
- identify capability gaps and strategies for uplift.
More than 500 people contributed to the evidence base through online surveys, in-depth interviews and regional workshops – bringing together perspectives from industry, government and communities across Queensland’s critical minerals regions.
Findings included:
- Stakeholders want to see demonstrated leading practice by 2030.
- Strength tends to sit where regulation and established practice have resulted in a demonstrated culture based on capability and compliance.
- The biggest gaps sit where expectations are rising but practical guidance and consistent approaches are still emerging — particularly circular economy, traceability, climate adaptation and resilience, and decarbonisation.
- Across regions, priorities converge around community benefit, environmental performance, mining transition/post-mine outcomes, and circular economy — alongside a clear call for stronger transparency, better coordination, and more consistent engagement.
From the gaps identified and by focusing on what QCMI stakeholders were asking for, eight strategies have been developed to support capability uplift across Queensland’s mining sector.