Geopolitics, supply chains and the race to net zero will dominate discussions when AusIMM’s Critical Minerals Conference 2026 returns to Brisbane this September.
As the global race for critical minerals intensifies, industry conversations around supply chains, geopolitics and sustainability have never been more important.
AusIMM’s Critical Minerals Conference 2026, returning to the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre from September 21-23, will bring these crucial discussions to the fore.
“It’s more important than ever to talk about this,” an AusIMM spokesperson told Australian Mining.
“Critical minerals are key to emerging technologies and key to attaining net zero.”
Bringing together leaders from mining, government, finance and technology, the conference will examine the rapidly evolving opportunities shaping the critical minerals sector as Australia strengthens its role in global supply chains.
“People in very significant positions across multiple industries that make decisions in the critical minerals space will be part of the conversation,” the spokesperson said.
AusIMM said the conference continues to grow as governments and industries from the world over aim to secure the minerals needed for clean energy technologies, advanced manufacturing and defence applications.
“The interest and engagement with the conference has picked up, and this topic continues to be as relevant as ever,” the body said.
Australia has increasingly positioned itself as a key player in the global critical minerals market thanks to its vast resource base and established mining expertise.
As nations work towards net zero emissions targets and stronger supply chain security, demand for minerals such as lithium, rare earths, nickel and cobalt continues to surge.
AusIMM said the pace of change across the sector was one of the key reasons the conference remains its only annual technical conference.
“The changes happen so rapidly, and where we need to focus changes rapidly as well,” the spokesperson said.
“These conversations need to be ongoing across the mining, politics and investment spaces because the global supply chain implications are constantly shifting.”
This year’s conference program will explore the major forces shaping the critical minerals sector, from geopolitics and investment to processing technologies, sustainability and resource development.
The broad scope reflects how deeply interconnected the sector has become, with mining increasingly tied to global manufacturing, energy transition policies and international trade.
AusIMM said industry engagement is also strengthening ahead of the September event, with the organisation receiving a record number of abstracts for this year’s conference.
More than 600 industry professionals are expected to attend the event, bringing together decision-makers from across the mining, government, finance and technology sectors.
For attendees, the conference will provide opportunities to hear from leaders shaping the future of critical minerals both in Australia and globally, while also exploring emerging technologies and practical solutions for the industry.
“Attendees will get really up-to-date insights into what’s happening at every level of the industry,” AusIMM said.
Register at the AusIMM website to secure your tickets.
