A major conference examining Australia's critical minerals sector has opened in Brisbane today, bringing together representatives from mining, government, finance, technology and research. The Critical Minerals Conference 2026 is being held at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre from September 21 to 23.

The event is organised by the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy and is focused on the rapidly changing role of critical minerals in Australia's economy and global supply chains. The three-day program includes 58 presentations, five keynote speakers and three panel discussions covering areas ranging from mineral markets and project development to processing, supply chains and community expectations.

Critical minerals are increasingly important because many are used in technologies associated with electronics, batteries, renewable energy, advanced manufacturing and other industrial applications. Australia has significant mineral resources, but discussions at the conference are also examining the challenges involved in moving beyond mining raw materials towards processing and developing more complete supply chains.

The opening day includes presentations and discussions involving representatives from Australia's resources sector, government and international partners. The official program began with a Welcome to Country before conference chair Dr Helen Degeling addressed delegates. Aus IMM chief executive Stephen Durkin also delivered an address during the opening session.

Queensland Premier David Crisafulli is listed among the opening speakers, while United States Consul General Jeremy Cornforth is scheduled to discuss the US-Australia critical minerals framework. The program also includes sessions involving researchers, mining professionals and industry specialists.

One of the central themes of the conference is how Australia can develop reliable critical-mineral supply chains while responding to increasing global demand. Discussions are covering markets, investment, processing technology and project development, as well as the environmental and social considerations associated with new resources projects.

The conference also provides an opportunity for professionals from different parts of the resources industry to meet in Brisbane. According to the official conference information, delegates include people from mining companies, universities, government agencies and other organisations involved in the critical-minerals sector. Speakers are representing 11 countries, giving the event an international focus.

Another focus is Australia's position in future global supply chains. Critical minerals can be difficult to develop into large-scale industries because markets for some minerals are smaller and less established than Australia's traditional bulk commodities such as iron ore and coal. Conference discussions are therefore looking at financing, processing, technology and ways of building industries around emerging mineral opportunities.

The event is also taking place as Brisbane continues to expand its role as a major destination for national and international conferences. Hosting the Critical Minerals Conference gives the city a central location for discussions involving Australia's mining and technology sectors.

Across the three days, delegates will take part in technical presentations, panel discussions and networking activities. The conference program also includes specialist workshops and conference tours designed to provide additional industry knowledge and professional development.

For Brisbane, the conference brings together a broad cross-section of Australia's resources sector in one location. For the wider industry, the discussions provide a forum to examine how critical-mineral projects can move from exploration and development into processing, commercial production and international supply chains.