Federal Minister for Resources and Northern Australia, Madeleine King, has announced that she will attend a global mining conference in Canada and the US to discuss the critical minerals that will support the development of low-emissions technologies.
Ms King will attend the Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) conference in Toronto and will attend the 7th Annual International Mines Ministers Summit. Both events present an opportunity for the global mining community to explore challenges and opportunities affecting the minerals industry.
Ms King will meet with her counterpart, Canada’s Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, Jonathan Wilkinson, to discuss supply chain transparency and promote market recognition of high environmental, social and governance standards, as well as better and safer working conditions.
In Washington DC, Ms King will co-chair the Principals Meeting of the Critical Minerals Taskforce alongside Senior Adviser to the President for Energy and Investment, Amos Hochstein. She will also have talks with senior officials in other departments across the administration.
Ms King said, “Australia, Canada and the US have a shared commitment to market transparency and diverse supply chains for critical minerals, and a shared interest in promoting recognition of the high environmental, social and governance standards in our respective resources sectors.
“My talks in Canada and the United States will also discuss disruptions in global markets, and any opportunities to address market uncertainties.
“It is of vital importance to the Australian resources and mineral processing industry that international pricing reflects the high ESG standards and commitment to sound workplace safety and worker conditions that all countries should aspire to.”
Ms King said that consumers and investors around the world seeking to reduce their carbon footprint and invest in green technology should have the opportunity to know their choices don’t sacrifice high environmental, social and governance standards.
“The prices paid for our minerals need to recognise that Australian workers enjoy the best conditions and the highest safety standards.
“The road to net zero runs through Australia’s resources sector.”
Currently, Geoscience Australia works closely with the US Geological Survey and is in a three-way agreement with the US and Canada on the Critical Minerals Mapping Initiative.
