Against the backdrop of intensifying global resource competition, the UK government released “Vision 2035: Critical Minerals Strategy” on 22 November 2025, aiming to reduce dependence on imported critical minerals through a series of measures, ensuring national economic security and the smooth progression of the clean energy transition. These critical minerals include tungsten, cobalt, lithium, rare earths, and others.
Critical minerals form the foundation of the modern economy and national security, with widespread applications across various defence and civilian sectors, including smartphones, fighter jets, electric vehicles, and wind turbines. According to the strategy document, the UK currently meets only 6% of its demand for critical minerals through domestic production. By 2035, demand for these minerals in the UK is projected to grow significantly—for instance, copper demand is expected to nearly double, while lithium demand will surge by 11 times. This level of dependency exposes the UK economy to risks from disruptions in global supply chains.
To address these challenges, “Vision 2035: Critical Minerals Strategy” establishes a comprehensive target framework. The UK government plans to achieve three specific goals by 2035: In terms of domestic production, at least 10% of annual critical mineral demand will be met through domestic output, including the production of at least 50,000 tonnes of lithium (or equivalent lithium carbonate equivalent), with priority given to key minerals such as tungsten, lithium, nickel, and rare earths. In the circular economy domain, the proportion of domestic critical mineral recycling will be raised to 20% of annual total demand. In international trade, reliance on any single country for the supply of any critical mineral will not exceed 60%.
It is understood that the UK possesses resource potential and industrial foundations for developing critical minerals domestically. For example, Cornwall holds resources of lithium, tungsten, and tin; Wales retains manufacturing capabilities for nickel and titanium products; Anglesey is undergoing exploration for copper and zinc; and Aberdeenshire offers prospects for nickel and cobalt exploration.
To realise the "Vision 2035", the strategy outlines specific implementation pathways. In strengthening domestic capabilities, the UK will invest up to ￡50 million in dedicated funding to support critical mineral extraction, refining, and recycling projects; simultaneously, through the new "British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme" (BICS), electricity costs will be reduced, and fast-track environmental permitting services will be provided for mining and recycling projects; the UK Export Finance agency (UKEF), under the Treasury, has launched the new "Critical Goods Export Development Guarantee" (Critical Goods EDG) to provide financing support for critical mineral-related enterprises. In the area of international cooperation, the UK will leverage its membership in multilateral forums such as the G7, G20, Minerals Security Partnership (MSP), and NATO to promote supply chain diversification.
