The House of Representatives Standing Committee on Primary Industries has launched an inquiry into factors shaping social licence and economic development outcomes in critical minerals projects across Australia and is seeking written submissions to guide the inquiry’s findings.

Media release issue date: Tuesday, 16 December 2025

The House of Representatives Standing Committee on Primary Industries has launched an inquiry into factors shaping social licence and economic development outcomes in critical minerals projects across Australia and is seeking written submissions to guide the inquiry’s findings. Committee Chair, Meryl Swanson, said: ‘Critical minerals are vital to the economic development of Australia and the world. They underpin technologies integral to modern communications, manufacturing, transport, energy and defence. They also provide Australia—a country rich in critical minerals—with a key competitive advantage, economically and strategically.’ ‘Just as important, critical minerals offer significant opportunities for regional development, job creation, and skills growth, particularly in remote and Indigenous communities. A vital factor in delivering benefits that are both economically and socially sustainable is ensuring that critical mineral projects are developed responsibly, with strong community engagement and social licence.’ ‘Capturing these development opportunities will require co-ordinated policy and effective collaboration across all jurisdictions,’ Ms Swanson said. The Committee welcomes written submissions providing recommendations in response to the terms of reference by Friday, 27 February 2026. Submissions are encouraged from a wide range of stakeholders, including government, peak bodies and mining companies, local communities, Indigenous bodies and academic experts. More information on the inquiry, including the full terms of reference and details on making a submission, can be found on the inquiry website. Media inquiries Rosa Grine, Media Advisor, Office of Meryl Swanson MP Meryl.Swanson.MP@aph.gov.au 0406 223 537 For background information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 4500 pic.reps@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track Committee’ button in the bottom right hand corner of the page.