International Lithium Association, AMEC, MCA among Argus Critical Minerals Forum 2026 speaker line-up
The Argus Australia Critical Minerals Forum 2026 is bringing together leading voices from across the critical minerals sector, with experts from the International Lithium Association (ILiA), the Association of Mining and Exploration Companies (AMEC), the Minerals Council of Australia (MCA), Firebird Metals and Australian Strategic Materials (ASM) confirmed for the Perth event.
Taking place at The Westin Perth on 19 August 2026, the forum, hosted by Argus Media, will convene producers, investors, policymakers and market experts at a pivotal time for global critical minerals markets.
As geopolitical tensions reshape trade flows and governments increasingly prioritise secure and diversified supply chains, the event will explore the opportunities and challenges facing Australia’s critical minerals sector across rare earths, lithium, manganese and nickel markets.
Among the organisations represented in the program are:
- International Lithium Association (ILiA) – providing perspectives on global lithium markets, battery supply chains and industry development.
- Association of Mining and Exploration Companies (AMEC) – sharing insights into Australia’s mining and exploration sector, investment environment and industry growth opportunities.
- Minerals Council of Australia (MCA) – examining the trade, investment and policy issues shaping the future of Australia’s critical minerals sector.
- Australian Strategic Materials (ASM) – discussing critical minerals supply chains, project development and opportunities for value-added processing.
- Firebird Metals – offering expertise on battery materials, downstream processing and the evolving manganese market.
The afternoon program will feature a series of market-focused presentations examining some of the industry’s most pressing questions.
Sessions will explore how China’s export controls are influencing rare earths and critical minerals pricing and trade flows, whether the recent lithium market rebound is sustainable, how growing battery demand is reshaping manganese supply chains, and whether Indonesia’s evolving nickel policies could create opportunities for Australia’s domestic nickel sector.
Confirmed speakers and panellists include:
- Jo Clarke, Australia Country Manager and Bureau Chief, Argus Media
- Chi Hin Ling, Asia Metals Editor, Argus Media
- Sheih Li Wong, Senior Reporter, Argus Media
- Joseph Ho, Senior Reporter, Battery Metals, Argus Media
- Ron Mitchell, Chief Executive Officer, Firebird Metals
- Stephen Motteram, Chief Financial Officer, Australian Strategic Materials
- Demus King, General Manager Trade and Investment, Minerals Council of Australia
- Robert Carruthers, Australia Representative Director, International Lithium Association
A key feature of the forum will be two panel discussions focused on Australia’s long-term critical minerals opportunity. Industry leaders will discuss whether Australia can strengthen its position in alternative supply chains beyond China, as well as the investment, policy and processing capabilities required to build a globally competitive critical minerals ecosystem.
The event comes as critical minerals become increasingly important to global energy security, advanced manufacturing and the transition to lower-emissions technologies. For industry participants, the forum provides an opportunity to gain market intelligence, hear directly from sector leaders and connect with decision-makers from across the critical minerals value chain.
Jo Clarke, Australia Country Manager and Bureau Chief at Argus Media, said the forum would provide a timely platform for discussion on the market, policy and investment trends shaping the future of critical minerals.
“Critical minerals are increasingly at the centre of global conversations around supply chain resilience, energy security and industrial growth,” Clarke said.
“This forum brings together market experts, industry leaders and policymakers to explore the developments shaping rare earths, lithium, manganese and nickel markets, while examining the opportunities available to Australia as global demand continues to grow.”
“The event is designed to provide useful market insights while creating opportunities for collaboration and networking across the sector.”
The Argus Australia Critical Minerals Forum 2026 will take place on Wednesday, 19 August 2026, at The Westin Perth, Cassia and Karri Room.
Attendance is complimentary, with registration required.
