As global demand for batteries, EVs and renewable technologies and electricity networks grows, the Monash Climate Communication Hub invites journalists and media professionals to join a rapid response briefing about critical minerals and Australia’s clean energy future.
The session will explore whether Australia should continue digging up critical minerals and shipping them overseas, or whether we can capture more of their economic and social value by processing, refining and manufacturing them here. It will also examine the environmental, social licence and community trust questions that will shape whether this industry can grow in a way that genuinely supports the clean energy transition.
This briefing will connect you directly with leading researchers and subject-matter experts, to support accurate, timely and impactful reporting on climate and energy.
Date: Thursday 30 July 2026
Time: 2-3pm (AEST)
Location: Zoom (link will be sent via calendar invitation)
Hear from Professor Elizabeth Lester Director, Monash Climate Communication Hub:
“Net zero and the energy transition are among the greatest economic, technological and infrastructure challenges Australia has faced. Yet, it is increasingly clear that a real challenge is social. Monash is well equipped to tackle the complexities and opportunities that come with critical minerals through its approach that draws on expertise from across a range of disciplines. This is the approach Australia needs to ensure it achieves a viable industry with a strong social licence.
"Critical minerals are often discussed as a mining or export story, but they are also a climate, energy and community story. If Australia is going to play a serious role in the clean energy transition, we need to ask not only what we extract and where it’s going, but also how we build public trust, protect environments and share benefits.”
With the Australian Government investing $1.2 billion in a new Critical Minerals Strategic Reserve, this briefing will bring together experts to unpack:
- What the Critical Minerals Strategic Reserve could mean for Australia and the industry
- Whether Australia can compete in volatile global markets and build more secure supply chains
- What it takes to get new projects off the ground – and who will pay for them
- What it takes for Australian communities to support the mines and industry
- The opportunities and trade-offs involved in processing and manufacturing more critical minerals domestically
- The role of government and private investment in building a viable industry
- How Australia can pursue the economic and strategic benefits of critical minerals while managing the emissions and environmental impacts of developing them.
More information about the Rapid Response Briefings
Reporting on climate and energy stories is increasingly complex and expertise is evolving rapidly. These briefings help cut through that complexity, providing clear, evidence-based insights you can use in real time.
The series will provide:
- Rapid, expert-led explanations of emerging climate and energy developments
- Clear context to support breaking news coverage
- Practical guidance for translating science into accessible reporting
- Opportunities to ask questions and engage directly with researchers.
For more Monash media stories visit our news & events site: monash.edu/news
For any other topics on which you may be seeking expert comment, contact the Monash University Media Unit on +61 3 9903 4840 or [email protected]