Across jurisdictions, there’s an observable trend towards accelerated environmental approvals for large infrastructure projects, at times recategorised as strategic projects of national security priority, such as with critical minerals projects. What will this entail for the standard public consultation processes and general stakeholder engagement? Many jurisdictions have ample experience with such public consultation processes, whether in the context of mining or nuclear projects, for example. What are the lessons learned? This session will critically evaluate the latest trends across jurisdictions with environmental permitting procedures, its implications from a social licence to operate perspective, good governance and best practices and ultimately from a sustainable development point of view, which requires balancing business, social and environmental concerns.