The First Nations Clean Energy Network has been busy representing our Members aspirations by responding to a number of government enquiries over the last few months.

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.

Read the paper

Since being launched in November 2021, the First Nations Clean Energy Network has advocated for an energy system that ensures First Nations participation and benefit.

Australia’s critical mineral policies must consider the rights and interests of First Nations peoples throughout a project’s life cycle.

The government is laying the foundations for Australia to be a major miner, producer and exporter of green hydrogen and critical minerals.

Of the $127 billion pipeline of announced hydrogen investment in Australia, including more than 80 announced projects, only $2 million to-date has been allocated towards First Nations engagement. Furthermore, with over 450 critical minerals deposits across Australia, critical minerals exploration and mining is likely to occur in many Nations.

Government policy suggests on-going engagement, benefit sharing and partnerships with First Nations peoples will be essential to improve equity and investment opportunities for the resources sector’s sustainability.

This session reviews the application of government's policy intent. Are there significant First Nations partnerships, equity and ownership arrangements in the critical minerals and hydrogen sectors, including a seat at the table, and if not, why not?

SPEAKERS: Cameron Smith, Sonja Dare, Jason Bilney, Mia Pepper, Anu Nagar, Darren Godwell (Facilitator)

First Nations groups feeling a sense of urgency about the opportunities clean energy can bring in terms of access to energy, jobs, business development, and First Nations wealth generation on Country are calling for significant action and bold Federal Budget ambition at this year's First Nations Clean Energy Symposium happening in Adelaide on 8-9 May 2024.

Australia's Critical Minerals Strategy promises to accrue benefits locally by building partnerships with host communities and First Nations peoples.

This research highlights that some of Australia's most disadvantaged areas host the highest number of critical minerals mines and mineral deposits. 

These areas also have a higher proportion of First Nations people.

At the same time, First Nations people have procedural rights available for up to almost 80% of these critical minerals projects.

Without major reforms in policy and practice, the inequitable distribution of mining's impacts and benefits will persist.

This paper was authored in January 2024 by John Burton, Deanna Kemp, Rodger Barnes and Joni Parmenter from the Centre for Social Responsibility in Mining, Sustainable Minerals Institute, The University of Queensland.

Read the paper here

The Australian government has released its Critical Minerals Strategy with First Nations engagement and benefit sharing one of the 6 key focus areas, focusing on: 

• strengthening engagement and partnerships with First Nations people and communities, respecting their land and water rights and interests;
• supporting the critical minerals sector’s immediate and long-term social licence to operate and its ongoing sustainability. This includes creating economic opportunities in regional and First Nations communities while protecting cultural heritage and sacred sites;
• working with First Nations communities and their representative organisations to build their capacity to engage with critical minerals proponents; and
• working to improve equity and investment opportunities for First Nations interests.