10 December 2024
The Geological Society has signed a joint letter with the Royal Society of Chemistry, the Royal Academy of Engineering and the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining calling on the government to develop a joined-up, cross-sector strategy for acquisitioning, using and managing materials in the UK.
Simon Thompson, Chief Executive of the Geological Society has signed the letter following the release of the UK 2024 Criticality Assessment, which identified a growing list of minerals deemed ‘critical’ to the UK economy and net zero transition. The letter also follows the recent publication of the National Engineering Policy Centre’s report on Critical Materials published in October 2024.
The new joint statement champions the need to build further comprehensive data on the use of materials in the UK and highlights that:
“The UK’s population consumes 15.3 tonnes of materials per person per year which is well above the global average. Not only does this mean we are contributing disproportionately to the problem of unsustainable resource use, but also
The economic value that these materials have is lost from the UK economy if they end up in landfill, incineration or are exported abroad, with some estimates suggesting that at present as little as 7.5% of materials are circled back into the UK economy [ii].
Many of the materials that are vital to meet the UK’s net zero commitments are also essential in a range of other sectors including healthcare, defence and electronics, and there is significant global demand for these materials. Some of these materials are designated as ‘critical’ because of their importance to our economy and supply chain risks. Unresolved imbalances between supply and demand pose risks to UK economic growth and national energy security.
Crucial steps will include developing robust data on the origin and use of materials and improved design practices and policy frameworks that reduce disposal and waste, and setting an overall goal of reducing UK resource consumption as per our commitment to Sustainable Development Goal 12.”
The full joint letter is available to read here.
### About the Geological Society
The Geological Society of London is the UK's national society for geoscience, providing support to around 12,000 members in the UK and overseas. We aim to be an inclusive and thriving Earth science community advancing knowledge, addressing global challenges, and inspiring future generations.
Our policy work aims to raise awareness of geoscience considerations in UK policymaking for the benefit of science, profession and society.
### About the Royal Society of ChemistryWe work at the heart of the chemical sciences community to create a future that is more open, more green, and more equal. Together, we’re helping chemistry to change the world.
We enable exciting progress that would be otherwise impossible. As an independent catalyst for change, we connect people and ideas through partnerships, conferences, events and networks that span the globe.
We care about protecting our natural environment, about tackling discrimination to build a truly inclusive world, and about making cutting-edge chemistry accessible wherever it’s needed for the good of society.
It’s all built upon and lifted up by our diverse global membership, with every one of those 60,000 members bringing a unique and valuable perspective. The chemical science community has the knowledge, skills and passion to make those a reality – together, we’re changing the world.
### About IOM3The Institute of Materials, Minerals & Mining (IOM3) is a professional engineering, environmental and scientific institution, a registered charity and governed by a Royal Charter. IOM3 supports professionals in materials, minerals, mining and associated technical disciplines to be champions of the transition to a low-carbon, resilient & resource efficient society. With around 15,000 members, IOM3 brings together expertise across the full materials cycle.
### The Royal Academy of EngineeringThe Royal Academy of Engineering is harnessing the power of engineering to build a sustainable society and an inclusive economy that works for everyone.
In collaboration with our Fellows and partners, we’re growing talent and developing skills for the future, driving innovation and building global partnerships, and influencing policy and engaging the public.
Together we’re working to tackle the greatest challenges of our age.