In response to growing unease over supply of critical metals for high-tech manufacturing and green technologies, the British Geological Survey (BGS) and the University of Exeter have agreed to join forces in a new initiative to improve research capability in this vital area. The ‘Critical Metals Alliance’ agreement signed on December 13, 2011 consolidates long-term links between the British Geological Survey and the University of Exeter/Camborne School of Mines (CSM).

The collaboration is intended to improve the research capability of both organisations to address growing concerns in the UK and Europe over security of supply of critical metals. The research will build on existing complementary skills and expertise in the geology of rare earths, the platinum group elements and other elements including niobium, tantalum, tungsten and indium. The alliance believes the venture will help find new ore deposits as well as using the known ones in a more resource efficient and environmentally friendly way. “The processes responsible for the formation of many critical metal deposits are poorly understood,” said Andrew Bloodworth, Head of Minerals and Waste at the BGS. “Both organisations have already made a strong commitment to joint research on this topic through a PhD studentship investigating rare earth mineralisation in Malawi which began earlier this year”.

At the heart of the new alliance is a BGS-sponsored research post based at CSM in Falmouth. Head of Camborne School of Mines, Professor Frances Wall stated: “We are delighted to welcome Dr Kathryn Moore as our BGS Lecturer in Critical and Green Technology Metals. From March 2012, Kate will lead a research team drawn from both organisations who will work to improve understanding of the geological origins of these important raw materials.”