How can the UK meet domestic demand for critical minerals in this era of economic uncertainty, challenging market conditions and geopolitical turbulence? What has the geology beneath our feet got to do with artificial intelligence? How can the mining industry encourage young people to get excited about earth sciences? What are the barriers to establishing processing and refining capabilities in the British Isles, and how can supply chains be strengthened?
These were just some of the compelling questions that were addressed during the seventh UK Mining Conference, held at Falmouth’s Princess Pavilion on June 10-11.
The conference also provided a “unique platform” for mineral explorers, mine operators and specialist manufacturers; investors, academics, government departments and trade associations to debate how the UK can unlock the economic potential of its rich, untapped mineralisation; exchange knowledge about emerging technologies and markets; and initiate conversations about how to secure domestic supplies of critical minerals at pace to meet increasing demand and reduce reliance on imports, the event organisers said.
From Anglo American in North Yorkshire and Northern Lithium in County Durham to Vale Clydach Refinery in Wales, Aberdeen Minerals, Argyll Metals and Winshear Metals Corp in Scotland, and Cornish Lithium, Cornish Metals, Cornish Tin & Lithium, Cornwall Resources and Tamar Minerals in the southwest, delegates received updates from those companies who are prospecting for, and extracting, the metals and minerals that are critical to the UK’s industrial future, among them cobalt, copper, lithium, nickel, polyhalite, tin, tungsten and even gold.
The conference also included a number of specialist satellite events at venues across the town.
Jay One Events’ Managing Director, Jane Isaacs, said: “This year’s UK Mining Conference attracted 610 attendees who represented 295 organisations from 21 countries across the globe, which far exceeded previous records as well as expectations. We staged 12 events at six venues and were proud to work with more than 30 local suppliers to bring them to fruition.
“The conference has become a key fixture in the international mining calendar and expands year on year. This growth, both in terms of size and interest, would not be possible without the input of many individuals and organisations, and I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to every single delegate, exhibitor, service provider, speaker, sponsor and supporter who contributed to its success.”
Cornish Lithium’s Founder and Executive Chairman, Jeremy Wrathall, said: “From geological features such as the Cornubian Granite Batholith that underlies much of Cornwall and Devon to the Weardale Granite beneath County Durham, and the Arthrath Intrusion in Scotland, the country’s natural capital presents an economic opportunity of mammoth proportions, yet it remains exceptionally challenging to raise finance for critical minerals projects in the UK.
“The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago and the second best time is now so we must pull together to grow a critical minerals industry in the UK without further delay. We need to unlock long-term investment in order to accelerate mineral projects, power up production, enable the energy transition and benefit local populations across the country.”
In his closing remarks, Perran Moon, MP for Camborne, Redruth and Hayle, added: “Here in Cornwall, we have never lost our pride in the critical minerals sector but the resurgence of mining is driving back hope into our communities. This is not just about jobs, but about developing infrastructure and societal improvements, and it is an exciting time if we play our strong hand well. However, we now need to leverage more support for our industry, change investors’ attitude to risk and take a holistic approach to mineral exploration, production, processing, skills development and recycling to ensure that Cornwall punches above its weight and joins other projects across the UK in contributing secure, domestic supplies of the critical minerals we need to power modern life.”
The 2027 UK Mining Conference will take place on June 16-17.