Stewards of the Transition: How Environmental Expertise Supports the Next Wave of Critical Minerals Collaboration

The global race for critical minerals is accelerating as clean technology and energy security rise to the top of national agendas. Countries like Canada, the United States, and Australia are stepping forward as reliable and ethical suppliers with strong environmental credentials.

The U.S. is actively pursuing critical minerals supply agreements with Australia, aiming to reduce dependence on China. This urgency stems from the fact that approximately 90% of Australia’s lithium and other rare earths are currently processed in Chinese facilities. To counter this, the U.S. is encouraging Australia to build out its midstream capabilities—particularly in mineral processing technologies—to diversify and secure its supply chain.

Australia is now positioned to become a global critical minerals powerhouse. Its role will be pivotal in helping allied nations achieve their energy transition, manufacturing, technological, and defence objectives. Projects still in the study phase can now benefit from supportive frameworks that enhance investor confidence and accelerate development.

The focus is on identifying projects capable of supplying critical minerals essential for clean energy, defence, and advanced manufacturing. These may eventually expand to include more traditional minerals used in metal production, batteries, and technology.

Australia boasts abundant reserves of key critical minerals, including lithium, vanadium, high-purity alumina, copper, zinc, cobalt, titanium, tungsten, platinum group elements, and nickel. The current framework highlights numerous rare earth projects, including shovel-ready approved mines and others that are still being assessed. While agreements between Australia, the U.S., Canada, and other nations have existed for years, this latest development signals the beginning of broader collaborations that could encompass a wider array of minerals and identifies the need for Australia to improve its processing capabilities, not just mineral extraction.

Critical minerals are vital for steel production, clean energy technologies, and defence systems. Australia is also joining the U.S. and EU in building strategic reserves of critical minerals. However, a policy mismatch remains—Australia’s focus leans toward clean energy applications (e.g., solar panels, EVs, batteries and turbines), while the U.S. prioritises defence and technology-related uses.

Our Role as Bridge-Builders

Environmental consultants play a crucial role in connecting regulators, communities, and developers to advance mineral projects in a responsible manner. Through expertise in permitting, impact assessment, social and Indigenous engagement, consultants help deliver better, faster, and more inclusive outcomes.

In an era marked by geopolitical competition and supply chain constraints, independent, evidence-based guidance is more valuable than ever. Environmental consultants ensure that progress does not come at the expense of environmental integrity or community trust.

In Australia and Canada, Montrose plays a key role in delivering both the front-end permitting necessary to meet stringent environmental standards as well as the ongoing monitoring and management of mining operations through their lifecycle. Our role as a pure-play environmental company means Montrose remains at the forefront of environmental legislation and social licence expectations, guiding clients and influencing modern policy outcomes.

Navigating Complexity

Bringing a mining project to operation is a long and complex journey—often requiring over a decade of sustained support through exploration, permitting, tenure acquisition, and stakeholder engagement. Only then can an investment decision be made to carry the project through construction and into production.

The U.S., Canada and Australia have robust statutory frameworks for obtaining the necessary permits to commence operations. However, these must be balanced with stakeholder input to ensure that appropriate environmental and social safeguards are in place.

Australia’s legislative system for project assessment is well-established and undergoing continuous reform. This provides confidence that projects securing permitting and tenure have met some of the most stringent environmental standards globally. This is where high-calibre, pure-play environmental firms shine — partnering with developers to deliver comprehensive approvals that uphold rigorous environmental benchmarks.

Shaping the Future: Responsible Pathways for Critical Minerals

The potential supply deals between the U.S. and Australia could strengthen bilateral ties and promote the development of critical mineral projects. These initiatives could contribute to building a clean energy future—not just for the U.S. and Australia, but for the globe.

By expanding access to critical minerals and rare earths, this deal could support a wide range of industrial, medical, energy, and technological advancements. But building a clean energy future depends as much on how we develop these resources as what we develop.

Environmental consulting sits at the heart of this transformation—ensuring that development remains responsible, collaborative, and future-focused. Learn more about our role in the mining sector - https://montrose-env.com/markets/mining/