Morning, Thursday, 19th March 2026
Online
This conference will examine priorities for the UK critical minerals industry. It will bring together stakeholders and policymakers to assess practical steps moving forward as the Government’s forthcoming refreshed Critical Minerals Strategy - expected by the end of 2025 - is implemented.
It also takes place following the National Security Strategy highlighting strategic threats arising from greater competition for critical minerals, and the Clean Energy Industries Sector Plan identifying the sector as a foundational industry supporting development of clean energy and advanced manufacturing.
Areas for discussion include approaches for strengthening supply chain security, building responsiveness to geopolitical developments, and advancing the UK’s role in improving international standards and responsible sourcing practices.
Policy, market development & addressing key challenges
Sessions will consider priorities for the updated strategy and wider policy needed to support the UK’s position in a more competitive global market. Areas for discussion include strengthening UK extraction, processing and recycling capacity, deepening cooperation with reliable partners, and enabling investment and trade to operate with greater predictability. We also expect discussion on opportunities for the sector aligned with UK policy aims for net zero and clean energy.
Stakeholder concerns about clearer prioritisation of minerals most directly required for net zero technologies will be examined, alongside industry calls for more consistent and timely permitting. Attendees will also consider how gaps in midstream processing can be addressed, and the way forward for international partnerships, including approaches for dealing with geopolitical challenges and how the UK can present a credible and differentiated offer as a trusted partner.
Supply chain resilience & strategic partnerships
Delegates will examine practical measures for strengthening UK access to critical minerals, including diversification of sources, entering into stable long‑term supply agreements, and developing clearer public‑private approaches to sharing commercial and operational risk. Strategies for strengthening access to processing and refining capacity will be considered, including partnerships with producer countries and trusted allies, and the role of the Supply Chain Centre in supporting resilience across supply chains.
Decarbonisation, public trust & alignment with industry needs
Opportunities for the strategy and the critical mineral sector will be assessed, in respect of supporting wider policy ambitions around industrial decarbonisation, alongside where further clarity might be needed on lifecycle carbon accounting, circular‑economy principles and expectations for ESG performance across supply chains.
Delegates will explore the way forward for coordination of minerals supply goals with the needs of the energy, transport and industrial sectors, including issues around demand, infrastructure and investment models. We expect discussion on strategies for fostering low‑carbon innovation in extraction, processing and recycling, as well as the engagement and assurances needed to maintain public trust.
UK finance opportunities & support for sustainable practices
Further sessions will assess how the UK’s commodity and capital markets can play a more competitive international role in critical minerals, while supporting clearer trading, disclosure and reporting practices. Discussion will consider practical approaches to managing commercial and political risk, and how green finance can be directed towards responsible extraction, processing and recycling.
Delegates will also examine priorities for the financial sector, including expectations for consistent disclosures and ESG performance, and options for working with international partners on aligned investment frameworks.
Workforce, industrial capacity & collaboration
The conference will also be an opportunity to examine priorities for strengthening UK industrial capacity and manufacturing resilience, including regional skills pipelines, workforce planning and targeted support for midstream and recycling infrastructure. Sessions will consider how domestic capability can complement global partnerships and contribute to strategic resilience.
All delegates will be able to contribute to the output of the conference, which will be shared with parliamentary, ministerial, departmental and regulatory offices, and more widely. This includes the full proceedings and additional articles submitted by delegates.
