This paper finds 57.8% of critical minerals projects in Australia are located where First Nations peoples have a right to negotiate. Including native title claims, these rights are available for 79.2% of critical minerals projects.
Authors John Burton, Deanna Kemp, Rodger Barnes, and Joni Parmenter from the Centre for Social Responsibility in Mining, Sustainable Minerals Institute, The University of Queensland, argue that critical minerals policies must consider First Nations peoples' rights and interests in land upfront – not as an afterthought. To date, First Nations peoples have not shared equitably in the wealth generated by mining Australia's mineral endowment. Inequitable outcomes will continue without major policy reform.