The United Kingdom’s first centre designed to collect and analyse information on the supply of critical minerals opened today in Nottingham.
CMIC
The Government said that the Critical Minerals Intelligence Centre (CMIC) would improve the resilience of the county’s critical mineral supply chain by providing policymakers with “up-to-date data and analysis on supply, demand, and market dynamics”.
The Nottingham-based British Geological Survey (BGS) will lead the centre with support from the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS), and work with universities and private and public sector partners.
Data will be used to develop “evidence-based policies aimed at developing more robust critical mineral supply chains to the UK”.
The creation of the centre follows the establishment of the Critical Minerals Expert Committee which includes founder and chief executive of Cornish Lithium Jeremy Wrathall.
INSIGHTS
Industry Minister Lee Rowley today said that the move towards green technologies was making the supply chain of critical minerals more competitive.
“That’s why we’re harnessing the British Geological Survey’s vast experience in geoscience, to ensure better access to these crucial resources, and support the delivery of our forthcoming critical minerals strategy.”
The Government added that the BGS would provide “insights on the supply, demand, and market dynamics of critical minerals”.
“Some of the CMIC’s data and insights may be provided to businesses, where it’s appropriate and of benefit to them.”
The BGS last year published a list of minerals considered to be critical for the UK.
MILESTONE
BGS director Dr Karen Hanghøj added that the CMIC would also provide policymakers with advice on emerging issues, including geopolitical, ethical or environmental risks associated with critical mineral sources.
“Work is already underway and as its first major milestone, the CMIC has published a study into the future UK demand for, and supply security of, critical minerals required for electric vehicle batteries.”