Capability 1.2.1.2

Extraction

Definition

Mining and concentrating critical and strategic minerals into usable ores, with appropriate consultations and approvals from First Nations owners.

Examples

Mining operations extracting minerals from in-ground reserves for refinement and processing, such as Rio Tinto, Talison Lithium.

Indicators

Annual output (tonnes/year)
Export volumes vs domestic utilisation
Number of active extraction projects

National AI Plan

PLAN COMMITMENT

No commitment

See comment at 1.2.1.1 (Natural Resources). No national coordination of this capability by government in the plan represents a strategic missed opportunity to build agency and leverage, given its global scarcity.

Stocktake

Opportunities for Australia' in Critical Minerals Strategy 2023–2030. Australian Government. 20 June 2023. https://www.industry.gov.au/publications/critical-minerals-strategy-2023-2030
Australian Critical Minerals Prospectus. Australian Trade and Investment Commission. https://international.austrade.gov.au/en/do-business-with-australia/sectors/energy-and-resources/critical-minerals/prospectus
Aussie Mine Report 2024: Gold shines amid critical mineral volatility. PWC. 13 November 2024. https://www.pwc.com.au/media/2024/Aussie-Mine-Report-2024.html

Is the Stocktake missing evidence?

Share additional information for potential future Assessments