Britain announced a new critical minerals strategy aimed at reducing reliance on foreign suppliers by 2035. The plan sets targets to meet 10% of domestic demand through UK production and 20% through recycling. Backed by up to £50 million in new funding, the strategy also seeks to ensure no more than 60% of any single critical mineral comes from one country.

The UK currently produces 6% of its critical mineral needs. The government plans to expand extraction and processing, focusing on lithium, nickel, tungsten, and rare earths, with a goal of producing at least 50,000 tons of lithium by 2035. Demand for materials such as copper, lithium, and nickel is rising, driven by smartphones, electric vehicles, and AI data centers. Copper consumption is expected to nearly double, while lithium demand could increase by 1,100% by 2035.

The strategy highlights China’s dominance, with about 70% of rare earth mining and 90% of refining, leaving global supply chains vulnerable. Britain earlier reached a minerals cooperation deal with Saudi Arabia to strengthen supply chains and attract investment.