# Britain’s tech ambitions depend on minerals made in China, MPs warn

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/britains-tech-ambitions-depend-on-minerals-made-in-china-mps-warn/
- Published: 2026-11-06T09:30:00+00:00
- Updated: 2026-11-06T09:51:43+00:00
- Original publisher: The Register
- Original article: https://www.theregister.com/public-sector/2026/11/06/britains-tech-ambitions-depend-on-minerals-made-in-china-mps-warn/5307779
- Topics: Asia, Government, Politics, UK, World

## Key points

- MPs doubt the government can secure critical mineral supplies.
- China leads refining for 19 of 20 strategic minerals.
- Diversifying supply may take 10 to 15 years.

## Summary

The Commons Business, Innovation, Science and Trade Committee warns that Britain’s plans for AI, advanced chips and clean energy rely on mineral supply chains heavily controlled by China. MPs say they cannot be confident the government meets any of ten tests for securing critical minerals, raising doubts about whether it has a credible plan to reduce the country’s exposure.

The committee says diversifying supply could take 10 to 15 years and needs sustained investment and cooperation with allies; entirely excluding China is neither realistic nor desirable. China leads the refining of 19 of 20 strategic minerals, with an average 70 per cent market share, and accounts for 95 per cent of gallium and 93 per cent of germanium production. MPs call for confidential supply-chain mapping and stress tests with firms, followed by joint purchasing arrangements to support new mining and refining projects.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.