This conference will examine priorities and next steps for critical minerals in the UK – including developing a broader, more stable and environmentally sustainable supply chain.

It is bringing together key stakeholders with policymakers to discuss the Government’s UK Critical Minerals Strategy, including:

• the Strategy’s delivery plan and the way forward for increasing domestic production
• measures for improving mining practices, and development of infrastructure for refining and processing
• opportunities for reducing demand, and increasing reuse and recycling

Overall, sessions in the agenda look at:

• the UK Critical Minerals Strategy: latest developments – key opportunities and barriers – what will be needed to translate government ambitions into concrete planning, and the shape that might take
• increasing domestic production: including upstream raw materials for key sectors such as battery cell production and key components
• supply chain: addressing ongoing disruptions and shortages – the way forward for improving mining practices and productivity, demand reduction, and increasing reuse and recycling
• international markets: supporting the growth of commercial partnerships – providing greater certainty and creating opportunities for UK companies in global markets
• geopolitical factors: strategies for reducing reliance on international suppliers with ties that might give rise to strategic or security concerns – promoting advances in trade and ESG initiatives
• investment: next steps for attracting private and public funding including in research and innovation – supporting investor confidence
• capabilities: building the UK skills base – growing infrastructure capacity in areas such as refining and recycling facilities
• decarbonisation: developing more environmentally sustainable extraction technologies – growing the minerals sector contribution to demand for clean energy technologies and net-zero policy targets

The Westminster Energy, Environment & Transport Forum are pleased to be able to include keynote sessions with Matthew Hatfield, Policy Lead, Critical Minerals, BEIS; and Jeff Townsend, Founder, Critical Minerals Association.