The UK could once more be a skills leader in exploration and mining as well as a leading player in the global race for critical minerals, said the Government today.
UK CRITICAL MINERALS STRATEGY
Business secretary Kwasi Kwarteng was speaking as he announced the UK’s first ever critical minerals strategy.
The policy paper ‘Resilience for the future: The UK’s critical minerals strategy‘ plans to secure the country’s supply chains through its new A-C-E approach to critical minerals.
This will see the UK accelerate its domestic capabilities; collaborate with international partners; and enhance international markets to be more responsive, transparent and responsible.
The Government will publish a delivery plan for the commitments in the strategy later in the year.
UNITED KINGDOM
Mr Kwarteng added that the country had “pockets of mineral wealth” from the Scottish Highlands to Cornwall, as well as clusters of expertise in refining and material manufacturing.
The Government will find out which critical minerals are in the UK and “signpost financial support” to accelerate development of the country’s capabilities.
Mr Kwarteng said that, among other actions, the Government would:
– reduce barriers to domestic exploration and extraction of critical minerals
– rebuild the UK’s skills in mining and minerals
– train the next generation of miners, geologists, engineers and beyond
– promote innovation and re-establish the UK as a centre of critical mineral and mining expertise
SKILLS LEADER
“The UK’s mining and minerals history runs deep, dating back to the Bronze Age,” added Mr Kwarteng.
“In most mines today, it is said you can usually find someone who has trained at the world-renowned Camborne School of Mines – such is the UK’s historical strength.
“We will maximise what the UK produces along the critical minerals value chain – through mining, refining, manufacturing and recycling – in a way that creates jobs and growth and protects communities and our natural environment.
“We will re-establish the UK as a skills leader and continue to do cutting-edge research and innovation in exploration, mining, refining and manufacturing.
“From the iron and coal that put the UK at the forefront of the Industrial Revolution, to the critical minerals essential to the new, Green Industrial Revolution: the UK once was – and will now be again – a leading player in the global race for critical minerals.
“This strategy will help create the more secure, more resilient supply chains needed for a clean, safe and prosperous future.”