More trust in mining sector as clean energy needs grow

Australians are becoming more trusting of the mining industry as its role in a clean energy future diverts the spotlight from its coal-aligned past.

But to maintain the public’s confidence, the sector must continue to address environmental, economic and community concerns.

There has been a significant improvement in Australian attitudes towards mining over the past decade, according to a new CSIRO report published on Tuesday.

In a survey of more than 6000 people, almost three in four acknowledged that access to critical minerals is essential for achieving net-zero emissions and nearly two-thirds support increasing mining activity if it means reaching net-zero emissions sooner.

CSIRO mineral resources deputy director Louise Fisher says the critical minerals conversation has grown and amplified in recent years.

“People are hearing that message and understand that, while mining as an industry has its own work to do around decarbonisation - as every industry does - it’s also got this really critical role to play,” Dr Fisher told AAP.

The perceived value of the mining sector has also increased and about 70 per cent of respondents believe the industry will support the nation’s future prosperity.

However, there is a tension between the urgent need to fuel the clean energy transition, and the associated environmental and social costs.

About 60 per cent of survey respondents agreed that mining had negative impacts on the environment, with dust, water quality and community health remaining significant concerns.

Additionally, about a third believed Australia should reduce its mining activity, even if this delayed the net-zero transition.

This shows that Australians value practices that prioritise environmental and social concerns, and public trust in the mining industry is linked to procedural fairness and community engagement.

“It’s that ongoing engagement and the recognition of the Australian people as a key stakeholder than supports this building of trust,” Dr Fisher said.