The UK government on Sunday launched a new critical minerals strategy, setting out ambitions to reduce the nation’s reliance on imported minerals by scaling up domestic mining, refining and recycling capacity.

Backed by up to £50-million in new funding, the strategy aims to secure key inputs for technologies ranging from smartphones and fridges to fighter jets, electric vehicles and renewable energy systems.

Announced by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, the plan outlines targets to meet 10% of mineral demand through domestic production and 20% through recycling by 2035, while also capping import exposure so that no more than 60% of any one critical mineral comes from a single country.

Lithium features prominently, with the government setting an ambition to produce at least 50 000 t/y of lithium by 2035. Demand for lithium in the UK is forecast to grow 1 100% by 2035, while demand for copper is expected to almost double.

Starmer said the strategy responds to an era of rising geopolitical risk in mineral supply chains. “Critical minerals are the backbone of modern life and our national security. For too long, Britain has been dependent on a handful of overseas suppliers… That is why we are taking decisive action to change that, boosting domestic production, ramping up recycling, and backing British businesses with the investment they need.”

Business and Trade Minister Chris McDonald added that the strategy forms part of the government’s national security agenda. “We have been dependent on a select few sources for our supplies, putting our national security at risk. Now, we’re taking the bold action needed to shore up our supply chains.”

INDUSTRY WELCOMES STRATEGIC CLARITY
Mining and processing companies across the UK have broadly welcomed the plan, saying it provides the long-awaited framework needed to unlock investment and accelerate domestic projects.

Cornish Lithium CEO Jamie Airnes said the strategy gives industry the certainty it has been seeking. “It provides a clear strategic framework within which industrial-scale UK critical minerals production can become a reality. Securing a domestic supply of critical minerals, including lithium, will create high-quality jobs, deliver supply-chain resilience and support key manufacturing sectors across the UK.”

Critical Minerals Association founder Jeff Townsend described the strategy as a “timely step forward”. “Modern industries, from advanced manufacturing to defence, clean energy and high-tech innovation, are only as strong as the minerals on which they depend. If fully supported and delivered with intent, this strategy can secure the UK’s position as a trusted global partner.”

Anglo American Crop Nutrients CEO Tom McCulley said the policy recognises the importance of mining to the country’s future. “With London at the centre of global mining finance, the UK has an opportunity to drive investment and growth through partnerships along the value chain and through the emergence of a modern mining industry in the UK itself.”

In Devon, Tungsten West CEO Jeffery Court stressed the importance of swift implementation. "Devon is home to one of the world’s largest tungsten deposits, primed to meet national and international demand. Our aim is to bring the project into production in late 2026, and we look to the government to rapidly apply the strategy to deliver real and tangible support.”

Cornwall-focused tin developer Cornish Metals said the strategy reinforces tin’s importance to the electronics and renewable-energy sectors. CEO Don Turvey noted the company had already received £28.6-million from the National Wealth Fund to advance its South Crofty mine. “Reviving domestic production will create over 300 direct jobs and many more across local supply chains.”

Rare-earth recycling company Ionic Technologies also welcomed the government’s recognition of Belfast as a strategic hub for advanced materials. “Our patented magnet-recycling and REE separation technology is increasingly important in protecting UK rare earth supply-chain security. There has never been a more important time for the government to back businesses that will have an impact on critical minerals supply chains," said Ionic Rare Earths MD Tim Harrison.

Alongside domestic production, the UK will explore stockpiling options, including through defence procurement, and will continue participating in NATO’s Critical Mineral Stockpiling project. The government will also expand partnerships with resource-rich countries to diversify supply chains using the UK’s strengths in finance, technology and trade.

Critical minerals currently contribute £1.79-billion to the UK economy and support more than 50 000 jobs, with more than 50 extraction and refining projects active across the country.

Regions identified as key contributors include Cornwall and Devon, with significant lithium, tin and tungsten resources; Swansea, home to one of Europe’s largest nickel refineries; and Northern Ireland, where companies are advancing rare-earth recycling technologies.