Strengthening critical minerals provenance and traceability

We are proactively preparing for the growing global demand for sustainable and ethical supply chains. To help Queensland’s critical minerals industry meet these demands, we have commissioned FrontierSI to deliver the vision and roadmap for critical minerals provenance and traceability report (PDF, 1.9MB).

Provenance and traceability ensure minerals are responsibly sourced and sustainably processed. This work responds to emerging regulations—like the European Union’s (EU) Battery Passport, that requires suppliers of critical commodities to show credentials related to the origin and extraction of minerals they provide.

Report key findings

Complex supply chains: Queensland’s minerals need greater transparency and alignment with international standards to access key markets.
Digital credentials: Tools like a Guarantee of Origin are critical for demonstrating provenance and sustainability.
Data infrastructure gaps: Streamlined systems for data-sharing and reporting are necessary for traceability.
First Nations participation: Equitable involvement and benefits for First Nations communities is essential.
Sustainability alignment: Integrating traceability with circular economy initiatives will enhance sustainability and competitiveness.

Why this matters

Critical minerals underpin technologies like electric vehicles, renewable energy systems, and smart devices. Queensland has 51 of the world’s most sought-after minerals and is therefore, positioned to lead Australia’s efforts in building transparent, sustainable, and ethical supply chains.

It is crucial for Queensland businesses to stay competitive in these markets, to drive investment and support the state’s renewable energy transition. This approach will provide access to global markets that prioritise environmental, social and governance (ESG) excellence.

What’s next

This initiative aims to:

explore and document the current landscape of critical minerals provenance and traceability
capture stakeholder perspectives—gather valuable insights on the importance and challenges of implementing effective provenance and traceability measures
develop a roadmap and maturity assessment, providing a foundation to guide any potential future implementation.

Consultation will ensure future actions are guided by expert insights and aligned with industry needs through a collaborative approach.

Action updates

Revisit this page for updates and future developments.

More information

Read the 2023 Queensland Critical Minerals Strategy.
Read the 2023 Australian Critical Minerals Strategy.

Last updated: 10 July 2025
Last reviewed: 17 December 2024