UK Critical Mineral Reliance Threatens Net-Zero Goals
AI-generated image · US National Wire
MPs warn that Britain's clean energy and tech ambitions are vulnerable due to a lack of credible plans to reduce dependence on Chinese processing.
Britain's pursuit of net-zero, AI, and advanced semiconductors is heavily dependent on mineral supply chains dominated by China, as first reported by The Register. A report from the House of Commons Business, Innovation, Science and Trade Committee warns that the UK remains "dangerously exposed" to economic coercion, noting that the government has failed to pass any of ten security tests established to evaluate the resilience of these supply chains.
The Register highlights that while mining is a factor, the primary bottleneck is processing. Drawing on figures from the International Energy Agency, the committee points out that China leads the world in refining 19 of 20 strategic minerals, controlling an average market share of 70 percent. This dominance extends to gallium and germanium—used in electronic warfare and radar—where China accounts for 95 percent and 93 percent of global production, respectively.
Committee chair Liam Byrne stated that securing these minerals is essential to deliver net zero and build AI, but noted that diversification will take 10 to 15 years. The committee argues that current public finance rules are outdated and that the government has not clearly identified which domestic capabilities require protection.
To mitigate these risks, the committee proposes a five-part strategy: identifying protected capabilities, mapping mineral needs, expanding domestic mining and recycling, pooling purchasing power with allies, and creating a Critical Minerals Finance Facility. The report further recommends expanding the remit of UK Export Finance and allowing British International Investment to take equity stakes in overseas projects.