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Highlights

• UK think tank Labour Together calls for a comprehensive critical minerals strategy to support green energy and technological advancement.
• The report emphasizes international collaboration.
• Focus on sustainable mining practices.
• Aim to reduce dependence on China.
• Upcoming national strategy in spring 2025 should:
  • Prioritize UK's unique strengths in mining finance.
  • Ensure responsible standards.
  • Enhance research capabilities.

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A new report (opens in a new tab) from a UK think tank, Labour Together, highlights the pressing need for a more focused and strategic approach to critical minerals. These minerals are essential for green energy, technology, and industrial growth. Still, they are increasingly vulnerable to supply chain disruptions, particularly due to the UK's dependence on imports and China's dominance in refining.

The previous Conservative government is criticized for its slow response and lack of a coherent strategy, leaving the UK lagging behind competitors like the US and EU.

Urgent: A Tailored Approach to Rare Earths

The report emphasizes that the UK must tailor its strategy to its unique strengths, such as its role as a mining finance hub, expertise in responsible mining standards, and advancements in recycling and research. The upcoming strategy, due in spring 2025, should prioritize critical minerals that align with the UK’s industrial ambitions and green energy goals.

This requires stronger coordination across government departments and partnerships with industries to identify key projects and attract private investment.

Worldwide Collaboration Key for UK

Given the UK’s limited domestic reserves, international collaboration will be crucial. The report calls for "clean energy diplomacy," urging closer partnerships with the EU, the Minerals Security Partnership, and defense-focused alliances like AUKUS (trilateral security alliance between Australia, the UK, and the USA).                   

Additionally, it recommends deeper engagement with minerals-rich nations to promote sustainable mining practices and ensure fair access to resources.

This strategy is essential to secure the UK's industrial future, reduce dependency on China, and strengthen global supply chains for critical minerals. Failure to act decisively could undermine the UK’s green energy transition and economic resilience.