Aluminium has been added to the 2024 Critical Minerals List by the UK Government, marking a significant development for the aluminium industry. This announcement, made by the British Geological Survey (BGS) as part of the UK’s Criticality Assessment, underscores the essential role of aluminium in promoting decarbonisation, industrial resilience, and economic growth.

The assessment builds on data used in a range of areas, including:

-Diplomatic efforts to secure stable trade relationships
-Supporting improved recycling capabilities as part of a more circular economy
-Further investment in exploration, mining and processing
-The pursuit of alternative materials

Aluminium is now officially listed as one of the 18 minerals crucial to the UK’s economic security, energy transition, and supply chain resilience. Its unique characteristics—such as lightweight strength, infinite recyclability, and its critical role in low-carbon solutions—make aluminium a key component of the UK’s sustainable manufacturing economy.

Simon Forrester, Chief Executive Designate said of the news “The Cast Metals Federation welcomes the inclusion of aluminium on the Critical Minerals List, as it demonstrates the importance of both sustainable supply and innovation in practice. UK Government must continue its conversations with our sector to address these issues. This designation provides the aluminium sector, and by extension ourselves, with opportunities for enhanced government support and collaboration, while also presenting strategic challenges to be addressed.

“We will continue to work with our partners in the “Back British Metals” Initiative to emphasise the importance of strengthening and expanding the UK metals and critical materials industries.”

www.backbritishmetals.org