Australia and Canada have agreed to work together to improve transparency in critical minerals supply chains and to promote recognition of strong environmental, social and governance (ESG) standards in critical minerals markets.

Minister for Resources and Northern Australia Madeleine King held talks with Canada’s Minister for Energy and Natural Resources, Jonathan Wilkinson in Toronto.

The two ministers released a Joint Statement on Critical Minerals Cooperation which agreed shared priorities on critical minerals extraction, processing and refining.

Minister King said consumers and investors around the world seeking to reduce their carbon footprint and invest in green technology should understand the high environmental, social and governance standards of the Australian resources sector.

Minister King said prices paid for Australian minerals need to recognise that Australian workers enjoy the best conditions and the highest safety standards.

“Australia and Canada have a shared interest in promoting open and transparent markets for critical minerals which are crucial for clean energy technology that will help the world lower emissions and address climate change,” Minister King said.

“Following our talks in Toronto, our two countries have agreed to advocate for robust ESG credentials to be built into global critical minerals supply chains and drive transparent and traceable supply chains.

“Prices paid for Australian minerals need to recognise the high ESG standards the Australian industry adheres to and the fact that Australian workers enjoy good working conditions and the highest safety standards.”

Minister King said Australia and Canada also agreed to explore joint research and development exchanges and investment, and to share information and best practices on our shared priority of economic inclusion and benefit sharing with Indigenous Peoples.

The joint statement is available on Department of Industry, Science and Resources website.