PESA QLD October Luncheon

Critical, Criticality and Strategic as Descriptors with reference to Helium, Bitumen and other commodities

Presented by: Dr Mike Clarke

Abstract:

The Commonwealth Dept of Industry, Science and Resources introduced Critical and Strategic as descriptors to minerals (critical) and materials/commodities (strategic) to provide a structure to ‘maximise the value of Australia’s resources for our economy and national security’, from 2019 to the present. The benefit of this system has become an international tool. This presentation is partially to introduce extractive commodity professionals to ‘critical reporting’.

One commodity/mineral that has been critical between 2019 – 2023 is Helium. Using what we know of the last twenty years of helium exploration, production and marketing, with special reference to the last five years (including the Iran-USA war), we see helium supply having rocky-ride. Bitumen is not a critical mineral or strategic commodity; but should it be? HPA (High Purity Alumina) and Silica are two minerals that have expanding roles in semiconductors, energy technologies and/or defense materials, that are listed as critical. They have been found in Australia but are not yet in production.

Event Details:

Date: Thursday, October 22th 2026

Luncheon: 12 pm for a 12:30 pm start

Place: Stamford Plaza Brisbane

Bookings close 5 pm Tuesday, October 13th 2026 unless sold out prior.