The 2025 federal election may be over, but its impact on Australia’s critical minerals strategy is just beginning. With new government commitments and expanded funding now in motion, project owners and delivery partners have a narrow window to align their strategy to the next phase of national priorities.At the centre of this is the updated Critical Minerals Strategy 2023–2030, which frames critical minerals not just as an export opportunity, but as a sovereign capability issue.

The strategy positions Australia as a long-term supplier of essential inputs for clean energy, defence, and advanced manufacturing. And it's backed by serious funding: over $4 billion through the Critical Minerals Facility, an additional $1 billion via the National Reconstruction Fund, and a new 10 percent production tax incentive for refining and processing.

What this means for major investments, projects and project leaders across the nation:

1. Strategic projects will be fast-tracked: The federal government is actively seeking "strategically important" projects to support. This includes not just extraction, but processing, infrastructure, and downstream value creation.

2. Indigenous partnerships will be scrutinised: The strategy calls for more meaningful First Nations engagement and benefit sharing. It’s no longer enough to tick the box. Project teams will need to demonstrate real partnership and cultural capability from day one.

3. ESG is not optional. Australia wants to lead on ESG standards for mining and processing. Investors are watching, and the bar is rising. Projects that embed environmental, social, and cultural governance into delivery will move further, faster.

4. Infrastructure funding will follow. New enabling infrastructure is a major priority. If your project depends on transport, water, or energy connections, now is the time to put forward a coordinated case with regional partners.

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What Murri Group brings to the tableAt Murri Group, we support clients operating at the intersection of evaluation, policy, and execution. We help:Develop investment-grade studies and business casesEmbed Indigenous value in project governance and deliveryBuild capability fast through senior leadership and embedded teamsDe-risk critical project phases with clear, independent assuranceIf your work touches the critical minerals space, whether in resources, energy, infrastructure, or government now is the time to align.

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This isn’t just a mining play. It’s a transformation of how Australia builds.