Critical Raw Materials: ISPRA in Sydney for IMARC 2026. Mineral Exploration, Innovation and International Cooperation

ISPRA participated in the International Mining and Resources Conference (IMARC 2026), held in Sydney from 27 to 29 October, one of the leading international events dedicated to mineral resources, technological innovation and sustainability in the mining sector.

Through the Italian Geological Survey Department, ISPRA contributed to initiatives promoted within the European Union’s exhibition area, alongside other European geological surveys brought together under EuroGeoSurveys, the association of European national geological surveys. Participation provided an opportunity to share knowledge, experience and tools to support security of supply and the sustainable management of mineral resources, in line with the objectives of the Critical Raw Materials Act.

Among the activities presented by ISPRA were the National Mineral Exploration Programme, aimed at updating knowledge of Italy’s mineral potential through new investigations and the enhancement of historical data, and the URBES project, funded by the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP), which focuses on mapping and characterising critical and strategic raw materials that could potentially be recovered from extractive waste, quarries, and urban and electronic waste. Digital platforms and national geomining databases also played an important role, providing access to information that can help guide resource exploration and development.

On 27 October, ISPRA also took part in the Italy–Australia institutional side event “Securing the Future – The State of Italy–Australia Relations in Critical Minerals”, held at the International Convention Centre in Sydney. The event opened with remarks by Italy’s Ambassador to Australia, Nicola Lener, and Massimo Dell’Utri, Undersecretary of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. The Italian delegation included representatives from the Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy (MIMIT), ISPRA, also representing the Ministry of the Environment and Energy Security (MASE), the Autonomous Region of Sardinia, ENEA and Invitalia. During the session dedicated to Italy’s critical raw materials supply chain, ISPRA presented its technical and scientific contribution to understanding and developing national mineral resources.

On 28 October, a bilateral meeting was also held between the Italian delegation and representatives of the Australian Government. Participants included MIMIT, ISPRA, SACE, ENEA, Invitalia and ANIMA Confindustria on the Italian side, and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and the Department of Industry, Science and Resources (DISR) on the Australian side. Discussions focused on bilateral cooperation on critical raw materials, investment opportunities, financing instruments and the coordination of international initiatives within the G7 and the ATCM.

IMARC 2026 provided an important opportunity to strengthen international scientific and institutional cooperation and share knowledge, methodologies and tools in support of European and national critical raw materials strategies, bringing together mineral exploration, the circular economy and environmental protection.