The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) has released a comprehensive report on Australian attitudes towards mining, revealing strong public support for the industry’s role in the country’s energy transition.
The survey, conducted in collaboration with Voconiq, engaged over 6,400 participants and marked the third instalment in a decade-long research program.
The Australian Attitudes Toward Mining 2024 Survey Report provides crucial insights into public sentiment regarding the mining industry, particularly in the context of critical and energy transition minerals.
Dr Louise Fisher, Science Director and Deputy Director of CSIRO Mineral Resources, emphasised the importance of these findings for policymakers, industry leaders, and communities.
Key findings from the survey include:
- 73 per cent of respondents acknowledge that access to critical minerals is essential for achieving net zero emissions.
- 71 per cent agree that mining is important to the Australian way of life.
- 72 per cent believe mining will support Australia’s future prosperity.
- Public trust in the mining industry has improved.
Despite the strong support, the survey also highlighted some concerns:
- 61 per cent of respondents agree that mining has negative environmental impacts.
- 32 per cent believe Australia should reduce mining activity, even if it delays the transition to net zero emissions.
Dr Kieren Moffat, CEO and Co-Founder of Voconiq, noted that the survey reveals a nuanced understanding among Australians.
While they support mining for essential minerals in the energy transition, they also expect rigorous regulatory frameworks and responsible practices.
The report emphasises the need for building trust, ensuring fair distribution of benefits, and actively engaging communities to maintain the industry’s social licence.
Only 52 per cent of participants agreed that mining communities receive a fair share of benefits.
As Australia progresses towards its net-zero emissions targets, the survey data indicates that while mining is recognised as necessary, community apprehensions about its impact must be addressed.
The findings serve as a valuable resource for aligning the mining industry with community expectations and contributing positively to the energy transformation.
This comprehensive survey provides crucial insights for the ongoing discussions about the future of mining in Australia, highlighting the importance of collaboration among the mining industry, regulators, and communities in navigating the evolving social license for mining operations.