Critical minerals inquiry keeps submissions open while shifting to regional hearings
A federal inquiry into critical minerals projects is continuing to accept written submissions while holding public hearings in New South Wales, with the Committee seeking further input from industry and communities to inform how economic outcomes and community acceptance are managed.
The House Standing Committee on Primary Industries is continuing to accept written submissions as part of its inquiry into factors shaping social licence and economic development outcomes in critical minerals projects across Australia.
The inquiry was adopted on 15 December 2025 following a referral from Resources Minister Madeleine King, with the Committee inviting recommendations in response to its terms of reference. Submissions are reviewed by the Secretariat and considered by the Committee before being authorised for publication.
More than fifty submissions have already been received from stakeholders including mining companies, farmers, local councils, community groups, Indigenous organisations and academic researchers. The Committee has indicated it is still seeking additional input, particularly from those directly involved in critical minerals development and communities affected by it.
Committee Chair Meryl Swanson said, “We have heard from miners, farmers, local governments, community organisations, Indigenous organisations and academics—some highlighting the benefits of critical minerals, others raising concerns about the potential impacts of mining on other industries and communities.”
Public hearings expand engagement in New South Wales
Alongside the ongoing call for submissions, the inquiry is moving into public hearings, with sessions scheduled in Sydney and Dubbo in May 2026.
On 18 May, the Committee will hear from mining and mineral processing companies, local government representatives, academics and unions in Sydney. On 19 May, the focus shifts to Dubbo, where the Committee will meet with local government representatives in western New South Wales and a project proponent to examine regional perspectives.
These hearings are designed to complement written submissions by enabling direct engagement with stakeholders operating in or impacted by critical minerals projects.
Focus on balancing economic outcomes and community acceptance
The inquiry is examining how projects can deliver economic outcomes while maintaining community support, with a focus on engagement, participation and long-term development.
“The Committee is looking to get as comprehensive a picture as possible about how to maximise the benefits of critical minerals to Australia while minimising the impacts. We need to hear from as many interested stakeholders as possible to get the clearest picture of the best way forward," Swanson said.
“Effective engagement, economic participation, and socially and economically sustainable development are key factors shaping social licence and economic development outcomes for critical minerals projects," Swanson explained. "The Committee is keen to explore ways to ensure that socially acceptable and economically beneficial outcomes are achieved by the critical minerals sector, for the benefit of mining regions and the nation.”
Continued opportunity to contribute
The Committee is encouraging submissions from a broad cross-section of stakeholders, including government agencies, industry groups, local communities, Indigenous bodies and academic experts.
Submissions can be lodged through the online portal or emailed directly to the Committee Secretariat if technical issues arise.
As the inquiry continues to gather evidence through both written submissions and public hearings, its findings are expected to influence how critical minerals projects are developed in regions where new resource activity is emerging alongside established industries, acknowledging that the pace and form of change remains closely tied to community expectations and economic participation.
