BGS welcomes publication of the UK Critical Minerals Strategy
A clear strategic vision for the UK is crucial to secure the country’s long-term critical mineral supply chains and drive forward the Government’s economic growth agenda.
23/11/2025 By BGS Press
Today (23, November, 2025), the UK Government published its Critical Minerals Strategy for the UK. The strategy recognises the UK’s need to further develop links with international partners, increase domestic production where feasible and invest in the circular economy. This strategy provides a tangible blueprint for these ambitions – now accurate, real-time minerals data will be essential in supporting the Government in its objectives.
The UK Critical Minerals Intelligence Centre (CMIC), hosted by the British Geological Survey (BGS), launched in 2022 with support from the Department of Business and Trade. CMIC informs UK decision makers to enable the securing of adequate, timely and sustainable supplies of critical minerals. This will ensure that the UK can transition its economy in the coming decades to meet challenges such as achieving net zero emissions and realising the Government’s industrial strategy and economic growth agenda.
The geopolitical picture in 2025 demonstrates a complex, unpredictable and interconnected world. Establishing secure supply chains of critical and growth minerals to achieve the UK’s economic aspirations has never been more important. The country’s ambitions in relation to the energy transition, economic growth, security and digital agendas, are directly connected to reliable access to these resources.
Dr Gavin Mudd of BGS and director of the UK Critical Minerals Intelligence Centre (CMIC)
Almost all critical minerals are currently imported, meaning it is important to understand the complex global supply chains that deliver them. CMIC’s mission is to analyse those supply chains and provide impartial and objective advice that helps the UK secure sustainable supplies of critical minerals for its various industries. In 2024, CMIC’s UK Criticality Assessment revealed the vulnerability of the UK’s economy to supply disruption for specific minerals. The analysis was designed to support policymakers in building economic resilience and securing the minerals that are important to the country’s growth aspirations and national security. CMIC has played a crucial role in informing this new Government strategy.
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About the British Geological Survey (BGS)
The British Geological Survey is a world-leading geological survey and global geoscience organisation, focused on public-good science for government and research to understand earth and environmental processes.
We are the UK’s premier provider of objective, impartial and authoritative geoscientific data, information and knowledge to help society to use its natural resources responsibly, manage environmental change and build resilience capabilities.
About the UK Critical Minerals Intelligence Centre
CMIC aims to support the UK in securing the adequate and timely supply of the minerals and metals it requires to ensure the success of the net zero transition, mitigate risks to national security, deliver economic prosperity and create opportunities for UK businesses in critical mineral supply chains domestically and internationally. It will provide decision makers in Government and industry with independent, robust, up-to-date and future-orientated analysis and intelligence to manage the dynamic risks associated with the supply and demand of critical minerals.
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