UK Renewables: Critical Minerals

Opened the debate

As vice-chair of the all-party parliamentary group for critical minerals, Alexander Stafford raised concerns about the lack of attention given to critical minerals in UK policy. He emphasised that these minerals are vital for low-carbon industries but face supply chain vulnerability. Without securing a reliable supply of such minerals, the UK risks economic instability and security threats from global shortages and unreliable suppliers like China and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Stafford highlighted examples such as mobile phones, electric vehicles, wind turbines, and solar panels that rely heavily on critical minerals. He argued for a two-pronged approach: relocating parts of the supply chain to the UK and forming a Five Eyes alliance to secure stable mineral supplies from partner nations. Stafford also requested Government support for upstream mining capability, midstream development, international collaboration, university programmes focused on critical minerals, and early release of a critical minerals strategy.

Government Response

Trevelyan congratulated Alexander Stafford on securing the debate and acknowledged the importance of critical minerals in achieving net zero goals. She highlighted ongoing efforts, including £500 million for the automotive transformation fund, £318 million for the Faraday battery challenge, and investments in circular economy research centres to maximize sustainable use of materials. The Government is monitoring supply chains and has established a global supply chain directorate within DIT to ensure access to resilient critical material supplies adhering to fair trade principles. They are also backing UK lithium mining projects such as Cornish Lithium’s initiative in Cornwall and working with international partners to improve conditions in countries like the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) through programmes aimed at tackling modern slavery and improving transparency in the mining sector.