Mark Richards is a senior advisor and strategist with more than 20 years of experience across the global resources, energy and infrastructure sectors. His career spans major global companies, national governments and leading law firms, with work undertaken in both developed and emerging economies.
Mark is a recognised expert in critical minerals policy and strategy, with deep experience designing and executing initiatives that align geopolitical, economic and industrial objectives. He has advised governments, multilateral organisations and corporations on building secure, economic and sustainable critical mineral supply chains, and has led cross‑sector collaborations to advance investment, regulatory reform and international partnerships.
Mark most recently led International Affairs and Strategy for Rio Tinto’s Battery Materials business, as well as shaping the company’s strategy and global positioning for its broader critical minerals interests and investments. He previously headed Rio Tinto’s global external affairs function, overseeing political and economic risk management across multiple regions and product groups.
Mark is currently a member of the International Energy Agency’s Expert Advisory Group. He has also served on the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s Critical Minerals Framework Coordination Group and the UK Government’s Task & Finish Group on Industry Resilience for Critical Minerals. Mark also previously worked for Australia’s Minister of Resources, Energy and the Environment and authored Australia’s first critical minerals prospectus.
