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

Delivering net zero also at risk, say MPs as they call for centralised policy and funding for mines and diversification

The UK is “dangerously” dependent on China for critical raw materials needed for the military, renewable energy infrastructure and AI, a parliamentary investigation has found.

MPs on the business select committee called for an urgent centralised policy and the creation of a “critical minerals finance facility” to help fund rare earth and other critical mineral mines, and deploy grants, equity and debt to accelerate a diversification programme.

“Critical minerals are the alpha of the new economy,” said the committee’s chair, Liam Byrne. “We cannot rearm Britain, build AI or deliver net zero unless we secure the minerals these technologies depend on.