Resourcing the future: Using foresight in resource governance

摘要: Abstract Australia is a major supplier of minerals globally, but the country’s ability to meet both projections for future demand and sustainability goals hampered by range environmental social issues associated with traditional modes production. At time when society’s expectations performance companies are becoming more stringent, mineral production in has become difficult expensive – that often disguised (and overlooked as result of) high resource prices an outwardly buoyant economy. Difficulty expense characterised not absence resources, declining ore grades, substantially increasing mine waste, rising energy consumption, falling multi-factor productivity. Together, changes challenges reinforcing recognition business usual cannot deliver on imperative. Technological development been important focus seeking address many facing Australian industry, this alone adequate, may be panacea future. Research exploring its implications society economy must accompanied foresight into long-term strategic challenges, scenarios, social, economic regional contexts where these will play out. This paper documents how methods were used facilitate conversation between mining industry stakeholders experts Australia, develop shared vision recommendations achieve sustainable one which contributes We articulate sector respect 2040, discuss mechanisms secure national benefit from finite resources. demonstrate realising benefits endowment over several decades requires considered forward-looking governance, including National Minerals Strategy. It should innovative policy decisions models engage communities, government private only rhetoric, also sustainability.