UK found to be ‘dangerously’ reliant on China for critical minerals needed for defence and AI

A parliamentary investigation has found that the UK is dangerously dependent on China for critical minerals used in defence, renewable energy and artificial intelligence. MPs say the reliance creates economic and national security risks, and could also hinder the UK’s efforts to reach net zero.

The committee says China dominates the processing of seven categories of minerals, where supply bottlenecks are concentrated. It heard that demand for lithium could rise 45-fold by 2030, while demand for rare earths used in permanent magnets could increase 16-fold. MPs called for a centralised policy, a finance facility to support mining and other projects, and closer work with international partners to diversify supplies; the government says it is delivering £400m for critical minerals.