The transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources is disrupting the status quo and climate goals are amplifying demand for cleantech. This has resulted in a substantial cost decline over the last decade however, significant investment is still needed to scale emergent technologies. Policy is driving demand; yet regulatory hurdles are impeding supply. And besides that, are we ready for the next arms race? Because “Net Zero” means a mining boom supplying minerals for the energy future.

Amplified demand for rare earth elements and critical minerals has seen the emergence of a new era of global collaboration, and with climate and clean energy firmly on the agenda, Australia offers an unparalleled solution to securing critical mineral supply with our more readily exploitable resources able to drive the clean energy transition. But we’re also maturing and moving beyond the linear “dig and ship” model, understanding that the circularity of materials presents a new paradigm of commodity trade. So how do we ensure this next wave of resource extraction delivers both a clean energy future and a legacy of diversified, fully circular value-chains that deliver long term sustainable growth for the next generation?