Australia’s global standing and critical minerals advantage built on trust, say AusIMM CEO and Queensland Premier
BRISBANE, 22 September 2026 – Australia's ambition to become a global critical minerals powerhouse depends on trust, professional capability and future talent, according to AusIMM CEO Stephen Durkin and Queensland Premier David Crisafulli (pictured).
In the opening plenary at AusIMM's Critical Minerals Conference in front of 650 delegates in Brisbane yesterday, Mr Durkin said “Australia’s global standing, and our leadership in critical minerals, is built on trust.
“Trust will define the social and economic returns we generate, the partnerships we build globally, and the contribution our sector makes to Australia's broader science and industrial ecosystem. Trust is core to advancing our national interest in the critical minerals age.”
Stephen Durkin, AusIMM CEO, speaking at the Critical Minerals Conference 2026.
Mr Durkin said that the critical minerals conversation had fundamentally shifted beyond simply a resources opportunity. “Critical minerals now represent strategic resources that are essential for securing supply chains and managing geopolitical risk.”
Premier Crisafulli said Queensland's reputation for stability and high standards positioned the state to play a leading role in meeting growing global demand.
“Queensland is a trusted partner with clear standards, and we are open for business. We have a duty to meet market demand, putting the right materials into the right hands.”
In a fireside conversation, the two leaders also covered professional capability and harnessing talent from across STEM fields as decisive success factors. Mr Durkin said “Talent is our ultimate sovereign capability. AusIMM is taking the lead to attract the STEM talent we need to position Australia as a trusted global supplier of critical minerals, materials and expertise.”
Premier Crisafulli said the critical minerals sector presents a unique opportunity to reshape understanding of the industry to attract talent from a wider pool.
“Through critical minerals, we're rebuilding the understanding of how our industry is essential for Queensland's prosperity and global standing.”
The Hon David Crisafulli MP, Premier of Queensland.
Both leaders also highlighted how the resources sector develops STEM capability that supports economic growth across multiple industries.
Mr Durkin said “Critical minerals are about more than immediate economic return. Our industry harnesses and develops STEM talent. Talent that is drawn from and deployed across our sector and around the country. Talent that unlocks a broader science and industrial base, and is vital to our national interest.”
Critical Minerals Conference returns to Perth from 20-22 September 2027. Subscribe for updates