As the critical minerals sector expands to support the global energy transition, there is a growing imperative to ensure development delivers meaningful, long‑term benefits for First Nations Peoples. Understanding how First Nations communities may choose to engage with and leverage economic opportunities in the critical minerals sector is essential to achieving equitable, sustainable, and socially responsible outcomes. The recent body of work undertaken by Critical Minerals Queensland to better understand First Nations perspectives on economic participation in the critical minerals sector, identifies community‑driven aspirations and priorities that influence decisions about economic engagement. The abstract will share lessons learnt about how First Nations Peoples may seek to leverage opportunities across the critical minerals value chain, from exploration and development through to operations, services, and downstream activities.