Government’s new Critical Minerals Strategy highlights the Great South West as a national engine for industrial renewal

The Great South West Partnership has welcomed the Government’s newly published Critical Minerals Strategy, which identifies Devon, Cornwall, and Somerset as areas of national strategic importance for the future of the UK’s clean energy, advanced manufacturing and defence.

The Great South West Partnership has welcomed the Government’s newly published Critical Minerals Strategy, which identifies Devon, Cornwall, and Somerset as areas of national strategic importance for the future of the UK’s clean energy, advanced manufacturing and defence.

The Strategy underlines the region’s unique mineral wealth - from lithium in Cornwall to tungsten and tin in Devon and Cornwall - which sits at the heart of the UK’s transition to net zero, energy security, and domestic industrial resilience.

The Strategy positions the Great South West as a leading region for critical minerals extraction, processing, and recycling. Several major regional projects are highlighted, including:

• Altilium – advancing battery recycling and circular economy infrastructure in Devon
• Cornish Lithium – supported by National Wealth Fund equity investments of £24m (2023) and £31m (2025)
• Cornish Metals – recipient of a £28.6m National Wealth Fund investment (2025)
• Clusters in Devon and Cornwall – recognised as key national hubs for responsible extraction, processing and innovation

The region’s research strength is also emphasised, highlighting world-leading institutions including the Camborne School of Mines and the University of Exeter, home to the Critical Minerals Challenge Centre.

Karl Tucker, Chair of the Great South West Partnership, said: “This Strategy is a landmark moment for the Great South West. It recognises the region as essential to the UK’s clean energy transition, industrial resilience, and long-term economic security. The Government’s explicit acknowledgement of our regional clusters and innovation ecosystem reinforces what we have long championed: this region has the assets, the expertise, and the ambition to power a new era of sustainable industrial growth.”

Mark Hewson, Great South West Board Member and UK Hub Director at Imerys UK, said: “The Strategy rightly recognises the depth of capability across Cornwall, Devon and Somerset - from world-class mining expertise to cutting-edge processing and research. Companies across the region are already delivering low-carbon, responsible mineral projects that set the benchmark for the UK. The continued collaboration between industry, universities, local authorities, and the Great South West Partnership is a major strength, and this announcement will accelerate opportunities for investment, innovation, and skilled jobs.”

The Great South West Partnership will work closely with Government, industry, and universities to ensure the Strategy translates into:

• High-value jobs across mining, engineering, processing and clean energy
• Strengthened domestic supply chains for batteries, aerospace, defence and manufacturing
• Accelerated investment into regional innovation and low-carbon extraction technologies
• Opportunities for skills development aligned with future industrial needs
• Sustainable, responsible development that supports environmental goals and community benefit