The House of Representatives Standing Committee on Primary Industries will hold public hearings in Sydney and Dubbo as part of its inquiry into factors shaping social licence and economic development outcomes for critical minerals projects across Australia.
On Monday, 18 May 2026 the Committee will hear from a range of stakeholders, including mining and mineral processing companies, local government, academics and unions about the economic potential and social licence requirements of critical minerals projects.
On Tuesday, 19 May 2026 the Committee will meet with representatives of local government in western New South Wales to discuss the opportunities and challenges facing communities in the regions, as well as a leading proponent of critical minerals development.
Committee Chair, Meryl 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. 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.'
