March 2026
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This conference examined priorities for the UK critical minerals industry, following publication of the Government’s Vision 2035: Critical Minerals Strategy.
It also took 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 included 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 considered priorities for implementation of the Vision 2035 strategy and wider policy needed, with discussion on targeting at least 10% of annual UK demand through domestic production, producing 50,000 tonnes of lithium domestically by 2035, and achieving 20% of demand through recycling. Areas for discussion included strengthening UK extraction, processing and recycling capacity, deepening cooperation with reliable partners, and enabling investment and trade to operate with greater predictability. We also expected 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 were examined, alongside industry calls for more consistent and timely permitting. Attendees also considered 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 examined 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 were considered, including partnerships with producer countries and trusted allies, and the role of the Supply Chain Centre in supporting resilience across supply chains. Discussion also looked at regional clusters, and how specialist institutions can advance skills and innovation.
Decarbonisation, public trust & alignment with industry needs
In assessing opportunities for the critical mineral sector, sessions looked at supporting wider policy ambitions around industrial decarbonisation, alongside where further clarity might be needed on lifecycle carbon accounting, circular‑economy principles and expectations for environmental, social and governance performance across supply chains.
Delegates explored 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. Consideration was given to the Government’s recycling target and its emphasis on lifecycle carbon accounting, as well as engagement and assurances needed to maintain public trust.
UK finance opportunities & support for sustainable practices
Further sessions assessed 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 considered practical approaches to managing commercial and political risk, and how green finance can be directed towards responsible extraction, processing and recycling.
Delegates also examined priorities for the financial sector, including expectations for consistent disclosures and ESG performance, and options for working with international partners on aligned investment frameworks. The Government’s public finance offer was considered, including the National Wealth Fund and UK Export Finance, as well as the new British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme.
Workforce, industrial capacity & collaboration
The conference was also 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 considered how domestic capability can complement global partnerships and contribute to strategic resilience.
All delegates were 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. As well as key stakeholders, those who attended include parliamentary pass-holders from the House of Commons and officials from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs; Department for Energy Security and Net Zero; Department for Science, Innovation and Technology; Department for Business and Trade; Department for Work and Pensions; Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government; Defence Science and Technology Laboratory; Department for Infrastructure, NI; Department for Transport; Department for the Economy, NI; Climate Change Committee; Office for Environmental Protection; Environment Agency; Health and Safety Executive; House of Commons Library; Government Office for Science; Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology; National Audit Office; Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office; Ministry of Defence; UK Export Finance; Office for Investment; National Wealth Fund; and The Scottish Government.
