James Wild MP addressed a Westminster Hall debate focused on the critical role of minerals in the UK's transition to a clean, net-zero economy.
He sought to emphasise the urgent need for a domestic supply of critical minerals, such as lithium, cobalt, and rare earth elements, which are vital for the UK’s clean energy technologies.
The UK has significant deposits of key minerals, including lithium in Cornwall, but is still largely dependent on imports, particularly from countries like China. This reliance on foreign sources leaves the UK vulnerable to disruptions in supply chains, making it essential to strengthen domestic extraction and processing capabilities.
James highlighted that the demand for these minerals is only set to increase, with projections indicating that global demand will quadruple by 2040 to meet climate targets.
He called for continued investment in domestic critical minerals projects, noting that 50 such initiatives are already underway across the UK, with companies like Cornish Lithium and Altilium at the forefront of mineral extraction and recycling efforts.
Speaking in the debate, James Wild MP said:
“We must accelerate growth of the UK’s domestic capabilities. It is important for creating local jobs, often in isolated areas and it will contribute to our economy. That’s why we need to back UK critical minerals producers to take advantage of the opportunities right along the value chain.
We must ensure our supply chains are resilient, sustainable, and capable of supporting the UK’s transition to a green economy.”
