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BGS identifies potential ‘critical minerals’ mining areas

Large parts of the United Kingdom have potential prospectivity for ‘critical raw materials’, according to the British Geological Survey (BGS).

AREAS

North and southwest England, Scotland, northwest Wales and Northern Ireland are key areas “particularly worthy” of more research.

The BGS identified parts of Cumbria; the North Pennine ore field; Pembrokeshire; southwest England; an area around Loch Maree near Gairloch; parts of the central Highlands and Aberdeenshire; northwest Wales; and mid-County Tyrone.

ECONOMIC IMPORTANCE

The BGS highlighted the areas in a report on the UK’s geological potential for “critical raw materials” (CRM) for the Critical Minerals Intelligence Centre.

“CRMs are those minerals that are economically important, like those needed to make the batteries and semiconductors that are vital for the clean energy transition, and that are at the greatest risk of supply chain disruption,” said the BGS.

“The UK has 18 metals and minerals on its CRM list, with another six materials classed as having elevated criticality.

“These are almost exclusively obtained from mining and refining operations in other countries, although tungsten has been mined in the UK in recent years.”

RESEARCH

BGS mineral resource geologist Eimear Deady added that there were no guarantees from potential for deposits.

“The report focuses on the geological evidence and does not consider potential constraints on development, for example where there are areas of outstanding beauty, villages and towns, or other environmental considerations.

“Much more research is required and, if prospectors find evidence of commercially viable CRM deposits, they will have to go through the well-established planning process.

“Only one in a thousand potential mineral exploration projects ever becomes an operating mine.

“The areas we have identified, along with other parts of the UK, are underexplored and we need more systematic research to understand the potential availability of CRMs in our country.”

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