High‑level representatives from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) explored more sustainable approaches to mining and mineral processing on a recent study tour led by researchers from The University of Queensland’s Sustainable Minerals Institute.
The 11 Southeast Asian nations that make up ASEAN are already mining powerhouses – Indonesia tops world nickel production while Myanmar and Vietnam hold 18% of global rare earth reserves – but governments, mining companies and communities are also tackling how to protect biodiversity, local economies and people across the whole lifespan of mining projects.
Ian Satchwell, Adjunct Professor at SMI’s Global Centre for Mineral Security (GCMS), explained that during the six-day study tour, the 12 ASEAN representatives and five participants from the Sweden, and the UK and visited mining, mineral processing and port facilities and attended sessions with experts in biodiversity, mining governance, and community relations.
“There’s a strong demand from ASEAN members for real‑world case studies that demonstrate how sustainability principles are translated into policy frameworks, regulatory systems, institutional arrangements, and operational practices,” Satchwell said.
Regional impact
In late 2025, ASEAN adopted its Minerals Development Vision, which recognises the opportunities for ASEAN in satisfying fast-growing regional and global demand for critical minerals and the need to supply them sustainably. The vision is guiding implementation of the new ASEAN Minerals Cooperation Action Plan. Both the vision and the action plan are underpinned by the ASEAN Principles for Sustainable Minerals Development.
One participant, a high-ranking official at the mining ministry (in one of the larger minerals producing nations in ASEAN) explained that they planned to apply the monitoring and inspection techniques they observed during the site visits to enhance local regulatory oversight in their home country.
“By fostering better communication and transparency between mining companies and local residents, we can ensure that mineral development contributes to inclusive and sustainable growth for the community,” he said.
History of international cooperation
Since 2020, researchers from SMI have supported ASEAN to attract more investment in minerals exploration, mining and processing, increase output, contribute to supply chains and achieve sustainable minerals development. Over a dozen UQ staff and affiliate personnel have been involved in the ASEAN project since its inception.
Dr Paul Rogers, also from GCMS, continues to work with ASEAN as part of a World Bank project explained that, some of the key initiatives being implemented by ASEAN today, such as the Minerals Development Vision and Principles for Sustainable minerals Development were first proposed by the SMI research team in 2021/2022 as part of a suite of recommendations for enhancing minerals cooperation in ASEAN.
“It is really satisfying to see that the work we did back then has had an influence and is now shaping the development of a sustainable future for ASEAN’s mining sector,” Dr Rogers said.
“SMI is unique in the world with a whole suite of expertise from exploration to mineral processing.
“The countries of ASEAN are looking for assessment and diagnostic tools, as well as capacity building within their own countries, across the region,” Adjunct Professor Satchwell said.
The study tour also builds on SMI’s commitment to supporting mining knowledge exchange across Africa and the Pacific.
In early 2025, 25 participants from 20 countries took part in the Australia Awards Africa Mining Governance short course, while later that year GCMS delivered its annual Mineral Security Masterclass and facilitated work placements in Malawi and Fiji.
