Critical Minerals in the UK

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Critical minerals sit at the centre of the UK’s ambitions for net zero, economic resilience, national security, and technological innovation. In response to global supply risks, the UK has committed to meeting 10% of annual demand through domestic production by 2035, diversifying international sourcing and increased recycling. To date, policy and industry discussions have focused primarily on geology, finance, and regulatory feasibility. However, as projects move from exploration to implementation, their social and environmental impacts will become decisive factors in their success or failure.

This brief summarises a rapid review of the state of knowledge regarding the social and environmental dimensions of critical minerals in the UK. The evidence suggests that the UK is currently underprepared for navigating the social and environmental impacts of critical minerals projects, not because risks are unknown, but because they are insufficiently understood in the UK context. Without stronger engagement with these issues there is a risk that: 1) projects face delays, opposition, or cancellation; 2) opportunities for a just transition and nature recovery are missed; 3) environmental harms compound existing degradation and inequalities.