Critical Minerals Supply Chains is Focus of JPMorganChase and University of Exeter Roundtable

Leaders from finance, industry, policy and academia gathered in London to examine the future of critical minerals supply chains, exploring how geopolitical dynamics, sustainability considerations and security concerns are reshaping the materials essential to the global energy transition.

The University of Exeter’s Critical Minerals Challenge Centre partnered with JPMorganChase to host a private roundtable discussion during London Climate Action Week, bringing together investors, policymakers, corporates, supply chain specialists and non-governmental organisations to discuss the opportunities and challenges facing critical minerals supply chains.

Held at JPMorganChase’s London headquarters in Canary Wharf, the event focused on the growing strategic importance of critical minerals in enabling electrification and supporting energy security. As demand accelerates for technologies such as electric vehicles, battery storage, solar panels and wind turbines, participants explored the increasing pressures on global mineral supply chains and the need for resilient, sustainable sourcing solutions.

Addressing a Critical Challenge

Critical minerals including lithium, cobalt, nickel, copper and rare earth elements are fundamental to the transition to low-carbon energy systems. However, the concentration of production and processing in a limited number of countries, coupled with rising geopolitical tensions and export restrictions, has highlighted the vulnerability of existing supply chains.

Discussion centred on how governments, businesses and investors can work together to diversify supply, strengthen resilience and ensure that mineral extraction and processing are conducted responsibly. Participants also examined the environmental and social considerations associated with expanding mineral production to meet growing global demand.

Expert Insights on the UK’s Vision 2035

The roundtable opened with a joint technical and policy presentation from Dr Harry Pitts and Dr Eva Marquis of the University of Exeter.

Drawing on their expertise and involvement in advising the UK’s Vision 2035 Critical Minerals Strategy, they provided participants with an overview of current trends across global critical mineral supply chains, emerging risks and opportunities, and the strategic priorities required to secure future supply.

The presentation highlighted the importance of taking a systems-based approach that balances economic security, environmental sustainability and social responsibility, while supporting innovation and international collaboration.

Cross-Sector Dialogue

The event featured a moderated discussion that encouraged participants to share perspectives from across the critical minerals value chain. Representatives from the financial sector, industry, policy organisations and civil society contributed insights on investment challenges, supply chain transparency, responsible sourcing, geopolitical risk and market outlooks.

The diverse range of attendees reflected the increasingly interconnected nature of critical minerals challenges and the need for collaborative solutions that span sectors and disciplines.

Building Resilient and Sustainable Supply Chains

The roundtable reinforced the growing recognition that critical minerals have become a strategic issue extending far beyond traditional commodity markets. As countries seek to accelerate electrification and strengthen energy security, developing resilient and sustainable mineral supply chains will be essential to supporting economic growth and delivering net-zero ambitions.

The Critical Minerals Challenge Centre continues to work with partners across academia, industry and government to address these challenges through interdisciplinary research, innovation and stakeholder engagement.

Events such as this roundtable demonstrate the value of bringing together expertise from across sectors to explore practical pathways towards a secure, responsible and resilient critical minerals future.