Sydney hosts historic global First Nations meeting on critical minerals boom

First Nations leaders from across the world gathered in Sydney last night, on the eve of IMARC 2026, to discuss how Traditional Owners and Indigenous peoples can have a greater say in, and share of, the rapidly expanding global critical minerals industry.

Representatives from across Australia were joined by Indigenous peoples from other countries to share knowledge and experience across jurisdictions.

"It was incredibly exciting to learn from First Nations communities in other jurisdictions who have similar experiences and come out the other side as genuine owners and partners in major projects. Their success shows what is possible here," said Associate Professor Brian Bero of The Mabo Centre.

With more than 80 per cent of Australia's critical mineral deposits located on lands with Native Title interests, leaders called for a fundamental shift in how mining projects are developed, financed and managed.

"Problems arise when Traditional Owners are treated as an access stakeholder rather than an ownership stakeholder. If you don't get this right, there is significant commercial risk," Jyi Lawton, CEO of AEMEE, told the gathering.

The Mabo Centre, together with the National Native Title Council (NNTC) and AEMEE, is developing a First Nations Critical Minerals Strategy to ensure Traditional Owners are not simply consulted about mining projects but have opportunities to become owners, investors and commercial partners. A summary of the emerging Strategy was shared at the gathering, held at the Novotel Hotel, Darling Harbour.

The Strategy calls for First Nations perspectives to be embedded in government critical minerals policies and investment decisions; a nationally coordinated, government-funded mechanism giving communities access to independent legal, commercial, financial and technical expertise; and stronger pathways into the value chain, including equity ownership, processing and refining.

Associate Professor Bero said engaging First Nations communities de-risks projects, pointing to a Traditional Owner agreement with Rio Tinto in the Pilbara that helped secure an environmental approval in 58 days, when it usually takes months.

Anita Richards, Chief Operating Officer of IMARC organizer Beacon Events, said: "IMARC brings the global mining community together, and that conversation is incomplete without First Nations voices. Last night's gathering, together with the First Nations Pavilion at IMARC, puts Indigenous leadership and enterprise at the centre of mining's biggest week." 

IMARC 2026 runs 27–29 October at ICC Sydney.

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