The Minerals Council of Australia (MCA) has called on the Federal Government to suspend changes that deprioritise offshore skilled migration visa applicants, warning the move will make it harder for mining to lift productivity and fill urgent workforce gaps. “Although skilled migrants comprise just 1.24 per cent of the Australian minerals workforce, their contribution is critical,” MCA chief executive officer (CEO) Tania Constable said. These roles are central to Australia’s ability to meet growing global demand for critical minerals and bulk commodities such as iron ore and coal. Constable said employing Australians would remain the industry’s first priority, with skilled migration adding to local hiring rather than replacing it. It also called for faster permanent residency for skills tied to national priorities, including critical minerals, the clean energy transition and net zero targets.