BCSDA to contribute business-led submission to parliamentary inquiry on social licence in critical minerals

• Business-led submission to focus on trust, First Nations partnership, regional value creation and long-term competitiveness.

Sydney, 27 March 2026 - The Business Council for Sustainable Development Australia (BCSDA) will make a submission to the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Primary Industries inquiry into the factors shaping social licence and economic development outcomes in critical minerals projects across Australia.

The inquiry comes at a significant moment for Australia's critical minerals sector, as governments, investors, communities and industry increasingly recognise that project success depends not only on geology and capital, but also on trust, legitimacy and the quality of regional development outcomes.

BCSDA's submission will emphasise that social licence is a core project delivery and competitiveness issue, not simply a communications consideration. It will focus on three areas where stronger policy settings can make a material difference: earlier and more meaningful engagement with communities and First Nations peoples, supported by clearer pathways for shared benefit and long-term participation.

BCSDA CEO Andrew Petersen said Australia has an opportunity to demonstrate that critical minerals development can be both economically strategic and socially credible.

"Australia's long-term advantage in critical minerals will depend not only on what we extract, but on how projects are designed, delivered and experienced by the communities and regions involved," Petersen said.

The submission reflects BCSDA’s broader focus on practical policy settings that support sustainable development, stronger regional outcomes and long-term business competitiveness.

The House of Representatives Standing Committee on Primary Industries is seeking written submissions by 31 March 2026.

ENDS

About BCSDA

The Business Council for Sustainable Development Australia (BCSDA) is a non-profit organisation dedicated to operationalising sustainable development practices among Australian businesses. BCSDA was established in Australia in 1991 and works with over 70 leading global businesses and other organisations to drive systemic transformation in key sectors, advocating for sustainable leadership and rewarding action through education, partnerships, and policy influence.

In 2014 the organisation was appointed Australia’s Network Partner for World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD).

BCSDA’s members believe that by integrating social and environmental impacts with financial results, business lowers its risk profile, makes better decisions and creates the solutions needed to meet the Sustainable Development Goals.

BCSDA’s members include leading Australian businesses, from all sectors, who share a commitment to economic, environmental and social development. It represents member companies, public sector enterprises and institutions, and community organisations, which in turn represent 120,000+ Australian employees. www.bcsda.org.au 

For further information contact: Andrew Petersen, CEO, Business Council for Sustainable Development Australia, +61 412 545 994