An adequate and resilient supply of minerals is essential to the growth of the UK economy and the well-being of the population in terms of security of energy supply, renewal of infrastructure and increased climate change resilience.
While we have had the luxury of being able to take availability of minerals for granted in the past, future supplies are by no means guaranteed and this report highlights a number of issues that need to be considered. They include global competition for raw materials and investment concerns within the industry arising from uncertainty about the future relationship of the UK with the EU. The future of our energy minerals is a particularly pressing issue, with a current question mark over the potential of unconventional energy resources.
Long-term continued access to minerals is considered crucial if the UK is to achieve sustainable economic growth and rebalance its economy towards production and manufacturing.
Positive action must now be taken by Government as well as by statutory regulators, NGOs and the industry
to ensure continuity. We believe there is a need for a policy, regulatory and fiscal framework that encourages
sustainable production while balancing economic, social and environmental priorities.
With goodwill and determined effort, it is surely possible to conserve what is essential in our landscapes, habitats
and cultural heritage while meeting UK demand for minerals over the 35 years to 2050
