China’s dominance in the production and processing of critical minerals has raised alarms globally, prompting the UK to reassess its own reserves. The UK House of Commons Foreign Affairs Committee recently published a report, “A Rock and a Hard Place: Building Critical Mineral Resilience,” which reveals the nation’s vulnerability due to over-reliance on autocratic countries for these essential materials.
Alicia Kearns MP, chair of the committee, emphasized the urgency of the situation: “For three decades we have been asleep at the wheel, repeatedly failing to recognize the importance of critical minerals and the dangers of our current reliance on autocratic countries.”
The report underscores a growing global concern about the security of critical mineral supplies. The International Energy Agency (IEA) notes that over 200 policies and regulations concerning critical minerals have been introduced worldwide, with half appearing in recent years. Kathryn Moore, a senior lecturer at Exeter University, warns that the new normal may involve increasing tensions and competition for these minerals, necessitating careful consideration.
Critical minerals—such as lithium, cobalt, nickel and rare-earth elements—are crucial for advanced technologies, particularly in green and electronic sectors. Despite their vital role, the production of these minerals is concentrated in a few countries, making supply disruptions a significant risk. The IEA projects that demand for these minerals could increase three and a half times by 2030, driven by the expansion of electric vehicles, energy storage and renewable energy technologies.
China’s influence in this sector is particularly concerning. It not only controls a large share of the production but also dominates the processing of many critical minerals. For instance, although Australia and the Democratic Republic of the Congo are major producers of lithium and cobalt, respectively, China handles most of their processing. China’s strategy of vertical integration in the supply chain has cemented its position as a key player in both production and processing.
Countries with their own reserves are increasingly following China’s model by focusing on processing and developing domestic technology industries. Indonesia, a leading nickel producer, has banned the export of unprocessed nickel ore to boost its processing sector.
The UK, having been late to the critical minerals game compared to the US and the EU, has now recognized the need to secure its supply. The UK’s Critical Minerals Strategy, published in 2022, identifies 18 critical minerals, including rare-earth elements. Despite the UK’s relatively small landmass and complex geology, it possesses potential reserves of most of these minerals.
Efforts are underway to revive old mines and explore new ones. Cornish Metals is working to restart the South Crofty tin mine in Cornwall, while Tungsten West aims to reopen the Hemerdon tungsten and tin mine in Devon. These projects are becoming viable as global demand and prices for these minerals rise. Additionally, waste from old mines could offer new sources of critical minerals, making previously uneconomic deposits viable once again.
Kathryn Moore advocates for a small-scale mining approach to rapidly exploit high-grade deposits in response to supply crises. She stresses the importance of preparing these systems and processes now to ensure readiness when future supply issues arise.
The UK’s focus on reviving its mining sector and securing its critical mineral supplies reflects a broader global trend toward minimizing dependence on dominant players like China and ensuring stable access to essential resources.
