Deposition of Evidence to Westminster regarding the UK's supply of critical materials for electric vehicle battery production

Description of impact

This fed into policy at Westminster on security of supply for critical minerals

Who is affected

Policy makers in Westminster

Narrative

I discuss the UK's supply of critical materials for electric vehicle battery production. I note that the UK and Europe currently produce almost none of their critical metal needs, despite being major consumers. I highlight the importance of lithium, manganese, nickel, and cobalt in battery production and the UK's limited potential for sourcing these metals. I suggest that the EU should establish mines within its borders to minimize the carbon footprint and environmental damage of mining, rather than outsourcing it to other countries. I also mention briefly the potential for alternative materials, such as sodium or hydrogen, to replace lithium in batteries. I emphasize the need for responsible mining to support the UK's zero-carbon future and suggest that the country should be at the forefront of this change. The UK's academic expertise on critical metal geology is not being fully utilized and that the country should take a more proactive role in sourcing its own critical materials.

Impact status	Open
Impact date	26 Apr 2023
Category of impact	Public Policy Impact, Public Discourse Impact