The European Commission has opened a call for evidence to shape an EU-wide Action Plan on digitalisation in the water sector, responding to projections that water demand could exceed available supply by around 40%. The initiative is expected to prioritise smart metering, real-time network monitoring and digital twins for treatment plants and distribution systems to cut leakage and optimise asset operation. Civil and water engineers should anticipate future requirements for interoperable data standards, sensor-ready infrastructure and integration of hydraulic models with EU-level digital platforms.

Resources Minister Madeleine King has backed the appointment of Lynas Rare Earths chief executive Amanda Lacaze as chair of the Minerals Council of Australia, signalling closer collaboration between government and major miners on critical minerals policy. King flagged a focus on accelerating resilient critical minerals supply chains, with Lynas already operating the Mt Weld rare earths mine in Western Australia and a major processing plant in Kalgoorlie. For mining executives, the move points to stronger industry input into approvals, downstream processing incentives and export market diversification.

Quad partners United States, Japan, Australia and India have launched a Quad Critical Minerals Initiative to mobilise US$20 billion in public and private finance across mining, processing and recycling to reduce reliance on China-centred supply chains. Projects must show a “Quad nexus” by being located in, operated from, or supplying Quad markets, with support channelled via export credit agencies, development finance institutions, guarantees, loans, equity and offtake agreements. The partners will coordinate on permitting practices, geological mapping, resource assessment and e-waste recovery to tighten technical and regulatory alignment across the supply chain.