The majority of Australians acknowledge mining harms the environment, but still believe it is critical to achieving net zero.
A new CSIRO survey of more than 6400 people found despite strong support for mining, 61 percent agreed that it had negative environmental impacts.
CSIRO Mineral Resources Science Director and Deputy Director Louise Fisher said 73 percent of respondents acknowledged that access to critical minerals was essential for achieving net zero emissions.
Dr Fisher said 71 percent agreed that mining was important to the Australian way of life and 72 percent believed mining would support Australia’s future prosperity.
She said almost a third of those surveyed (32 percent) believed Australia should reduce mining activity, even if it delayed the transition to net zero emissions.
“Whilst the economic contribution of mining and its importance in supporting the energy transition are widely recognised, building trust, ensuring fair distribution of benefits, and actively engaging communities are key to maintaining the industry’s social license.”
Dr Fisher said the Australian Attitudes Toward Mining 2024 Survey was the latest in a decade-long program of research, providing an update to the national surveys conducted in 2014 and 2017.
She said this survey included a focus on critical and energy transition minerals to measure community sentiment regarding the mining industry’s role in renewable energy efforts.
“The transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy requires critical minerals such as lithium, silicon, high purity alumina and rare earth elements.”
Dr Fisher said the survey report provided important insights into levels of trust and acceptance, governance and fairness, as well as perceived benefits and concerns surrounding the mining industry.
“These insights are crucial for policymakers, industry leaders, and communities as they navigate the evolving social licence for mining operations, particularly in the context of the energy transition.”
Explore the Australian Attitudes Toward Mining 2024 Survey Report
