Britain on Saturday unveiled a new strategy aimed at reducing the nation’s reliance on foreign suppliers for critical minerals by 2035. Under the plan, the government seeks to meet 10% of domestic demand through UK production and secure 20% from recycling, reflecting growing global competition for these essential materials.
Supported by up to £50 million in additional funding, the strategy includes a goal to ensure that no more than 60% of the UK’s supply of any single critical mineral originates from one country by 2035. Prime Minister Keir Starmer described critical minerals as “the backbone of modern life and our national security,” noting that expanding domestic production and recycling would help protect the economy and contribute to efforts to lower living costs.
Currently, the UK produces about 6% of its critical mineral requirements. The government’s plan emphasizes expanding extraction and processing capabilities, with a focus on lithium, nickel, tungsten and rare earth elements. A key objective is to produce at least 50,000 tonnes of lithium domestically by 2035.
The move comes amid sharply rising demand for materials such as copper, lithium and nickel, which are vital for smartphones, electric vehicles and the data centers that drive artificial intelligence. According to government projections, UK copper consumption could nearly double by 2035, while lithium demand is expected to increase by more than 1,100% over the same period.
The strategy also highlights the risks associated with China’s dominance in the sector, noting that the country accounts for about 70% of rare earth mining and roughly 90% of refining. This concentration of production exposes the UK to price volatility, geopolitical tensions and potential supply disruptions.
Earlier this year, Britain signed a minerals cooperation agreement with Saudi Arabia intended to strengthen supply chains, create opportunities for UK firms and attract fresh investment into the country.
Source: Reuters
