Australian states and territories are going head-to-head to attract global investment in the wake of this week’s landmark critical minerals deal between US President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese amid record gold prices and surging demand for the resources driving the energy transition.

For the first time, every Australian state and territory is represented at ministerial level including NSW Premier Chris Minns, SA Minister for Trade and Investment Joe Szakacs MP, Victoria’s Minister for Energy and Resources Lily D’Ambrosio and Queensland’s Minister for Natural Resources and Mines Dale Last.

The state leaders join 180 global Ministers, Ambassadors, High Commissioners, Consul-Generals and officials at the event, which has attracted around 11,000 delegates and decision-makers from more than 125 countries.

IMARC is one of Australia’s largest trade shows, with over 500 exhibitors displaying the latest in mining innovation, AI, automation, robotics, safety, sustainability and productivity. It is an important showcase for Australian companies to meet potential customers, investors and partners from across the world.

The conference has grown into one of the world’s premier mining and investment gatherings, connecting government and industry leaders from more than 125 nations. IMARC Event Director Paul Phelan said IMARC has become an essential platform for the Australian mining and resources industry to market Australian innovation and promote investment, and to develop strategic global partnerships. He said State and Territory governments play an increasingly important role in supporting their local industry by showcasing them on the world stage and backing them with the authority that government endorsement brings.

“IMARC is where Australia’s mining innovation meets the world,” said Event Director Paul Phelan. “It’s a global platform for multilateral dialogue, but for local operators and innovators it’s also the ultimate shopfront, an opportunity to showcase their capabilities, secure investment and form international partnerships.”

“This year we have record numbers of local exhibitors, representing Australia’s extensive value chain – from local mine operators and explorers to innovators promoting the latest in safety, AI, robotics, automation, productivity and sustainability.

“IMARC is a key driver of Australia’s push to be proactive and visible on the international stage at a time when our natural resources are experiencing a major surge in global demand,” Mr Phelan said.

Snapshot: Australian States make their pitch at IMARC 2025

NSW

Premier Chris Minns said New South Wales is open for investment and ready to power the world’s clean energy transition by cutting red tape to facilitate the State’s growing pipeline of critical minerals projects.

“We’ve got critical minerals and high-tech metal projects ready to go. If we can get that capital on board, these projects will bring billions of dollars to NSW and make a major difference to the global economy.”

Victoria

Minister for Energy and Resources Lily D’Ambrosio said ahead of IMARC that it is important the benefits flow to all parts of the community. She said the state’s Critical Minerals Roadmap is driving development of Victoria’s resources while ensuring the community is engaged throughout the life of projects by companies awarded the rights to extract state-owned minerals.

“We’re kick-starting Victoria’s critical minerals boom, providing the essential minerals we need for our renewable energy transition,” she said.

South Australia

Minister for Trade and Investment Joe Szakacs MP told the IMARC audience that the SA Government is “ready to dig in” and showcase opportunities in decarbonisation, renewables, green iron, hydrogen, mineral processing and commercial collaboration.

“As the home of two-thirds of Australia’s known copper resources, SA is ideally positioned as the nation’s copper investment capital. Copper will be central to global decarbonisation, critical to electrifying modern economies and creating wind turbines, battery storage, EVs, charging stations and solar panels,” he said.

Queensland

Natural Resources and Mines Minister Hon. Dale Last said IMARC is the perfect opportunity to showcase Queensland’s world-class resources and promote the next wave of projects, partnerships and investment opportunities on the world stage.

“From coal, gas and oil to minerals like copper, vanadium, tungsten and aluminium, Queensland’s commodities deliver a thriving and diverse resources sector with strong value chain opportunities.”