New Digital Hub Launched to Support UK Critical Minerals Sector

News By Jake Scolding

A new online platform aimed at strengthening and showcasing the UK’s critical minerals industry has been launched, providing a central resource for businesses, policymakers and the public.

The website, has been developed by the Critical Minerals Association (CMA UK) with support from the Department for Business and Trade as part of wider efforts to promote and grow the sector.

The launch will be formally marked at a showcase event in London on 18 May 2026, where industry leaders, government representatives and investors are expected to explore the platform and discuss opportunities across the sector.

Purpose and features

The new website has been designed as a “one‑stop shop” for navigating the UK’s rapidly developing critical minerals landscape. Its core purpose is to facilitate information sharing, support investment and encourage collaboration across the industry.

It brings together a wide range of tools and resources, including:

  • A comprehensive directory of UK critical mineral companies, projects and innovation hubs
  • Information on government policy, funding opportunities and planning guidance
  • Resources for education, careers and skills development
  • Regional cluster mapping to highlight key industrial hubs across the country

According to its creators, the platform also aims to boost public engagement and responsible sector growth, helping to build awareness of the importance of critical minerals to modern industries such as clean energy, advanced manufacturing and digital technologies.

Supporting a strategic industry

The launch comes at a time when critical minerals—such as lithium, rare earth elements and copper—are increasingly recognised as essential to the UK’s economic growth and energy transition. These materials underpin technologies from electric vehicles and renewable energy systems to electronics and defence infrastructure.

The UK government has identified critical minerals as a foundational sector within its industrial strategy, with growing demand and a need to secure more resilient supply chains.

By consolidating data, industry contacts and policy information in one place, the new website is intended to support these ambitions and position the UK as a more connected and competitive player in the global critical minerals market.

The UK Critical Minerals platform is now live and accessible to users across industry, academia and government.