Positive Shift in Trust for the Mining Industry
The 2024 Australian Attitudes Towards Mining report released in October reveals shifting public sentiment towards the mining sector. Trust in mining has improved, yet these changes come with important caveats. While the public now recognises the importance of mining in Australia’s economic prosperity, concerns about environmental impacts and the transition to a net-zero future remain prevalent.
The report, compiled by data-science firm Voconiq, follows a decade of public surveys. Over the years, Australia’s mining industry has been a significant contributor to the national economy. It generated $2.1 trillion in export revenue, contributed $132 billion in company taxes, and supported $241 billion in wages, making up 21% of Australia’s economic growth. Despite these achievements, public perception has often been divided.
Steady Increase in Trust Levels
Public trust in the mining sector has seen a steady increase over the past decade. In 2014 and 2017, the trust score stood at 2.8 out of 5. By 2024, the trust score had improved to 3.1, reflecting a shift towards more favourable attitudes. Dr Kieren Moffat, founder and CEO of Voconiq, highlighted the significance of this change. “Although the jump might seem small, it’s statistically meaningful,” he said.
The report was launched at the International Mining and Resources Conference (IMARC) in Sydney, with input from over 6,400 respondents across the nation. The survey’s findings suggest a growing recognition of the economic importance of mining, yet it also reveals how the public’s views are increasingly influenced by the industry’s environmental footprint and its role in the energy transition.
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Strong Economic Support with Conditions
Australians generally support mining as a key economic driver. 71% of respondents agree that mining is crucial to Australia’s way of life, and 72% see mining as fundamental to the country’s future prosperity. However, 61% also acknowledged the negative environmental impacts of mining. This split highlights the growing pressure on the sector to mitigate these effects while continuing to support the economy.
Some 32% of respondents believe that mining should be curtailed, even if that means slowing the transition to net-zero emissions. Australians are increasingly pragmatic about balancing economic and environmental interests. Dr Louise Fisher, Science Director at the Mineral Resources research unit, explained, “Public trust is hard to earn and must be nurtured continuously.”
Critical Minerals and Community Engagement
A significant finding in the 2024 report is the growing awareness of the role that mining plays in the global energy transition. As Australia seeks to reduce carbon emissions and meet net-zero goals, 73% of respondents agree that access to critical minerals, such as lithium, nickel, and cobalt, is essential to achieving these targets. However, the extraction of these minerals presents a number of challenges, particularly as many critical mineral deposits are located in regions with little history of mining activity, including areas inhabited by First Nations communities.
Dr Moffat pointed out the importance of obtaining a social licence to mine these critical minerals. “To avoid project delays and local opposition, the mining industry must gain the trust of communities early in the process,” he said. Engaging with First Nations groups and local communities is crucial for mining companies to navigate the complexities of land use, resource extraction, and cultural heritage protection.
Survey Methodology
Voconiq’s approach to measuring public attitudes is grounded in more than 15 years of research at CSIRO. By engaging with people who are neither strong advocates nor vocal opponents of mining, the company seeks to foster meaningful conversations. “By reaching those in the middle, we can engage in constructive dialogue that leads to lasting change,” Dr Moffat explained.
The 2024 survey asked the same core questions as previous surveys, ensuring continuity and the ability to track long-term trends. This year, however, new questions explored attitudes towards mining’s role in supporting renewable energy. The survey methodology included panel-based responses, as well as outreach through social media platforms such as LinkedIn. 89% of the participants were sourced from Voconiq’s panel, while 9.6% were identified as First Nations respondents.
Meeting Community Expectations
Dr Fisher also noted that the findings of the report validate the mining industry’s current efforts to address community concerns. “We are actively working on technologies and innovations aimed at improving water management, dust control, and worker safety,” she said. These measures include the use of automation to reduce the number of people working in high-risk environments and technologies to address environmental issues like waste disposal and water usage.
The 2024 report underscores the importance of transparency and proactive community engagement. Mining companies must not only report their successes but also openly address the challenges they face. “Building trust requires openness,” Dr Fisher added. “The industry must be willing to discuss the difficulties it encounters, as well as its achievements.”
Building a Sustainable Future
As the mining industry plays an essential role in the global energy transition, it must also meet expectations around environmental and social governance (ESG). The public is increasingly conscious of the need for fair distribution of mining benefits. According to the survey, 52% of respondents believe mining communities should receive a fair share of the profits generated from mining projects.
Dr Fisher concluded, “The voices of mining communities, traditional landowners, and other stakeholders must be included in decision-making. Their input is crucial to shaping the industry’s future practices.” This year’s report serves as both a reflection of progress and a call to action for the mining sector. As Australia moves forward in its energy transition, it must do so with careful attention to the needs of both the economy and the environment, ensuring a balanced and sustainable future.
