Written question asked by David Reed (Conservative) on Thursday, 16 July 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 2 September 2026. It was answered by Blair McDougall (Labour) on Wednesday, 2 September 2026 on behalf of the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade.

Minerals: Supply Chains

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, pursuant to the answer of 15 July 2026 to question 16799, when the criticality assessment will next be updated.

Answer: The Critical Minerals Intelligence Centre (CMIC), funded by the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade and delivered by the British Geological Survey, produces the UK’s criticality assessment. With a continuously expanding amount of data used in criticality assessments, continued monitoring and data processing require upgrading and semi-automation. CMIC’s criticality assessment upgrades this year will improve its workflow systems, making them more efficient, expanding on the number of HS codes analysed and focusing on large-volume materials. The next overarching update to the criticality assessment is due to take place in 2027.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 19754
Session: 2026-27
Related items: Minerals: Supply Chains
Wednesday, 15 July 2026
Written questions
House of Commons
Transferred: Yes
Subjects: Minerals Supply chains
Link: View this Written question on www.parliament.uk