UK puts mining and critical minerals at forefront of energy transition; Benchmark on new taskforce

Benchmark Mineral Intelligence has been invited to join the UK’s newly formed critical minerals taskforce, which will look at ensuring supply of the minerals needed for a green transition.

The Department for Business and Trade said experts on the committee will help build “resilient supply chains” to support green industries and jobs in the UK.

The taskforce was announced as part of the March update to the UK’s critical minerals strategy, which was first published in July 2022. The update said the committee will “investigate the critical mineral dependencies and vulnerabilities across UK industry sectors.”

“The committee has been tasked to create and action a critical minerals blueprint for the energy transition,” Simon Moores, chief executive of Benchmark, said.

“It is a clear message to the world that the UK is readying itself for the energy transition with joined up thinking on the critical minerals and mining that will power a shift away from fossil fuels.”

Lithium ion batteries and their critical mineral inputs are at the centre of this challenge, Moores added.

“Benchmark will add real impetus to the highest level of UK decision making on the energy transition and our invitation to join the committee is an honour,” he said.

“Moments like this is what Benchmark was built for, something we have led other countries with, and are ready to provide the world’s most trusted market prices, data and advice to this decision making process.

“I would like to thank Minister Nusrat Ghani and Katherine Bennett CBE for their leadership on one of the most crucial industrial growth engines of our time.”

If you are industry participant and would like to connect with the UK government on this subject, please email: contact@benchmarkminerals.com