The Partnership Project led by the Queensland Government and ausIMM aims to develop an industry-led approach to support industry and stakeholder collaboration and lift environmental, social and governance (ESG) Capability Queensland Critical Minerals Industry (QCMI). The evidence base included three-phase research process, comprising 472 survey responses, 38 targeted interviews, and four regional workshops. The objective was to establish an ESG capability baseline, identify priority ESG themes, recognise challenges and enablers, and inform the design of practical, targeted ESG capability uplift strategies. Utilising a maturity framework, the assessment reveals that current ESG capability across the QCMI is perceived between Basic and Good. ICMM Maturity Framework 2022 modified in consultation with the ESG advisory Panel and in consideration of australian Sustainable Finance Institute, 2024. Explorers were perceived to have lower capability, reflecting limited progress or integration of ESG practices, while mining operators with larger, more mature companies generally demonstrate stronger ESG systems and awareness. approximately 70 per cent of respondents desire ESG capability to be Good or Leading by 2030, with aspirations even higher in regional areas such as Richmond, Julia Creek, Mount Isa, and Cape Flattery. among the 16 ESG themes assessed, the highest perceived capability were workplace and public health, safety and security, labour rights and human rights, and stakeholder engagement. Conversely, the lowest-rated ESG themes include circular economy, traceability, and decarbonisation. The top ESG themes identified for capability uplift are community impact, benefit and investment, environmental impact, ecosystems and biodiversity, mining transition and post-mine land use, circular economy, climate adaptation and resilience, and decarbonisation. Findings from the four regional workshops-Julia Creek, Mount Isa, Mackay, and Cairns/FNQ- highlight a strong regional appetite for ESG leadership grounded in local values and practical outcomes. across all zones, community impact, benefit and investment emerged as the highest priority theme, reinforcing a call for tangible and lasting outcomes for host communities. To address the gaps and build a more capable, and future-ready QCMI, several capability uplift strategies will be developed.