Australian Resources Minister Madeleine King is visiting Canada and the United States from 3 March to 8 March 2024, to attend a global mining conference and undertake high-level discussions on the critical minerals required for developing low-emissions technologies.
Minister King is scheduled to attend two major events that provide a platform for the international mining community to discuss issues and prospects impacting the minerals sector — the 7th Annual International Mines Ministers Summit and the Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) conference in Toronto.
Minister King will meet with her counterpart, Canadian Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Jonathan Wilkinson, to discuss supply chain transparency and promote market recognition of high environmental, social and governance (ESG) standards, as well as better and safer working conditions.
In Washington DC, Minister 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.
“Australia, Canada and the United States have a shared commitment to market transparency and diverse supply chains for critical minerals, and a shared interest in promoting recognition of the high ESG 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,” said Minister King.
Minister Kind stated 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.”
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.