Critical Minerals Strategy 2025-11-24

The shadow minister criticises the strategy for its lack of mention regarding China's dominance in the critical minerals market and asks about the Department’s assessment on this matter. She points out inconsistencies in the document, including spelling mistakes and incorrect statistics, questioning industry trust in the Government. The shadow minister also questions the impact of high energy prices and the closure of North Sea operations on the critical minerals industry. Furthermore, she raises concerns about foreign direct investment decline and potential tax rises impacting the sector.

The Government are aware of China's dominance in critical minerals supply chains, controlling up to 90% of the market. The strategy aims for greater diversity of supply at home and through international partnerships like G7, G20, NATO. The British industrial competitiveness scheme will reduce electricity bills by £40 per MWh, reducing costs by 25%. Investment must flow into Cornwall to create jobs and reduce reliance on China.

Cornwall has a unique geology and is at the epicentre of the critical minerals opportunity. The Labour Government's strategy includes £50 million in funding, domestic production targets, and aims to create jobs while reducing reliance on China.

The Liberal Democrats support steps towards green growth but question the effectiveness of current measures. They ask for further steps to reduce reliance on unreliable foreign sources and how the UK will remain competitive with US and EU incentives.

Welcomes the strategy for Cornwall, highlighting opportunities at Falmouth port and restoration of a freight railway to move critical minerals sustainably. Hopes these will benefit local communities.

Queries about phosphates which are crucial for agriculture, suggesting bilateral agreements with Morocco for reliable supply.

Welcomes the plan to create opportunities for businesses in South East Cornwall such as Cornwall Resources. Asks how investment will be supported by a clear skills plan and community involvement.

Questions the specific target year of 2035, suggesting closer timescales should be considered given deteriorating international relationships.

Welcomes domestic supplies of critical minerals for economic security and resilience. Asks how the spoils of industry can cascade through local workforce, supply chains, and even ownership in Cornwall.

The Member expressed concern over stockpiling of critical minerals for national security purposes. He urged the Minister to expand the scope of stockpiling beyond the defence industry.

Welcoming the strategy, he asked the Minister to ensure that Cornwall's industrial strategy, which includes space and green energy sectors, is backed by the Government for the critical minerals strategy delivery.

The Member questioned how the strategy supports national security and major defence programmes such as AUKUS submarine programme. He highlighted that secure access to critical minerals is central for both UK's national security strategy and European defence.

Expressed concern over the vulnerability of UK energy production due to reliance on foreign countries for 60% of critical minerals. He warned that the country could become increasingly vulnerable if it does not control the global distribution of these materials.

Asked about sourcing the remaining 70% of UK's critical minerals, he suggested ensuring production increase from countries other than China. He highlighted the importance of diverse sources for national security and economic stability.

Inquired about potential use of £250 million defence growth deal funds to support tungsten mining in Devon, which is home to the world's largest deposits of this critical mineral.

Acknowledged widespread concern over deep-sea mining impact on marine ecosystems. Requested a commitment from the Minister for a moratorium on exploitation while allowing exploration, with environmental considerations.

Welcomed the strategy and praised Queen's University Belfast's role in magnet-recycling technologies. He asked about steps taken to ensure collaboration with devolved Governments for extraction projects support.

Welcomed the strategy but highlighted that polyhalite, a critical mineral from Teesside, should have been included. He inquired about how the strategy will benefit Teesside's supply chain.

Highlights the importance of domestic critical mineral production for national defence and security.

Welcomes the strategy to tackle China's dominance in critical minerals, emphasising its link with clean energy and defence capabilities. Criticises Reform party's leader for accepting bribes from foreign governments.

Asks how the strategy will ensure UK businesses benefit while securing resilient supply chains, mentioning Wolverhampton North East's Recyclus Group and its state-of-the-art plant for recycling lithium-ion batteries.

Welcomes the strategy and asks for assurance that it will benefit areas like Teesside and Hartlepool, which have built the UK. Mentions projects for lithium recycling in Teesside.

Questions the feasibility of securing supply lines as required by the strategy and raises concerns about the magnitude problem in copper mining, suggesting that all of our copper is currently extracted and taken overseas for smelting.

Highlights the importance of ceramics in high-temperature processes and asks about conversations with British Ceramics to improve competitiveness, mentions gas prices as a potential challenge for the strategy.

Asks how UK businesses, including Mantec in her constituency, can benefit from the strategy through public finance offers such as the National Wealth Fund and UK Export Finance.

Welcomes the prominence given to County Durham in the strategy and asks for support in extracting lithium. Mentions an opportunity for developing battery manufacturing in County Durham.

Confirms that polyhalite, a rare mineral used as super-fertiliser, is eligible for support under the new strategy and mentions Woodsmith mine near Whitby.