Our research tackles the urgent need for secure, responsible supplies of critical minerals like lithium and tin – vital to Net Zero and digital technologies. Co-created with industry, our work spans geometallurgy, circular economy, extraction, and biodiversity, focusing on innovative, sustainable solutions across the entire critical minerals lifecycle.
Publications and Policy Briefs
Our Centre focuses on developments in the UK’s Critical Minerals Strategy and related policy initiatives in the UK and globally. Explore our latest policy briefs and research publications, where we share insights, evidence, and recommendations from our work on critical minerals and the green economy. These resources inform industry, government, civil society and academia, supporting evidence-based decision-making and advancing sustainable innovation across the critical minerals lifecycle.
Case Studies
Our case studies showcase real-world applications of our research, highlighting how critical minerals innovation is making a tangible impact. From sustainable mining practices to circular economy solutions, these stories demonstrate the value of collaboration, innovation, and regional development in action. More examples will be added as projects progress.
Granite-related Li, Sn and W mineralisation and related mine waste in Cornwall
Objectives Collate geological and mineralogical data to develop integrated geomodels...
Closing the Circle – Embedding UNRMS in the Circular Economy
Introduction On 24 June 2025 , University of Exeter with support from colleagues at the UNECE hosted a webinar...
UNRMS: A Cornwall Case Study
Press Release Cornwall was in the limelight at the United Nations yesterday. Researchers at the Camborne School of Mines, University of...
Transdisciplinary Work Packages
Our research is built around four interconnected transdisciplinary work packages, bringing together diverse academic disciplines to tackle complex challenges. We focus on analytical and geometallurgical protocols, mine waste, exploration and extraction technologies, and the development of new projects. This integrated approach also draws on expertise in sustainable finance and biodiversity, enabling us to address the entire lifecycle of critical minerals—from discovery to responsible sourcing—while fostering innovation and resilience in the green economy.
Current Projects
We’re actively working on a range of innovative research projects that support the responsible development of critical minerals. From new extraction technologies to circular economy solutions, our work is evolving rapidly. This section will be updated regularly with project highlights, milestones, and opportunities for collaboration—so check back soon!
Engagement with International Finance
Aims: The Centre will explore how to align critical minerals projects with the expectations of global sustainable finance markets....
Building the onwards Value Chain and Circular Economy
Aims: End-to-End Integration: The Centre aims to connect regional mining projects with downstream industries, including the Somerset EV battery...
Strategy and Framework for Building Up the Capacity of Mining Communities through shared value
Aims: Test and co-develop community benefit strategies through collaboration with...
Courses
From time to time we will provide details on this page about upcoming courses, talks and educational events associated with developments in critical minerals and related subjects. These may be offered, hosted or facilitated by the Critical Minerals Challenge or one of our partners.
Circular Economy Masterclass
Introducing the Circular Economy Develop the skills and understanding to successfully introduce Circular Economy principles into your organisation and...
Technology Metals for a Green Future
At your own pace, with a suggestion to do the course for four hours each week over a four-week...
OECD Regional Well-Being
The metrics compiled in the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Regional Well-Being Tool provide a vital framework for mining regions to look “beyond GDP” and assess the human cost of industrial wealth. While commodity booms artificially spike a territory’s macroeconomic numbers, this tool monitors 11 essential dimensions—such as housing affordability, environmental quality, health status, and access to services—to evaluate the true standard of living for local communities.