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Written question asked by Andrew Rosindell (Reform UK) on Friday, 28 August 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 Monday, 7 September 2026 on behalf of the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade.

Minerals: China

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, what assessment his Department has made of the level of UK supply-chain dependence on China for critical minerals, including rare earth elements.

Answer

The Government regularly assesses risks to UK critical mineral supply chains. China's central position in global critical mineral production has contributed to highly concentrated supply chains, particularly for rare earth elements, where China controls around 60% of mining and 85% of refining.

Through the UK's Critical Minerals Strategy, the Government is taking action to diversify supply chains by supporting domestic capability, recycling and international partnerships, with the ambition that by 2035 no more than 60% of UK demand for critical minerals is sourced from a single country.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
19866
Session
2026-27
Subjects
China Minerals Supply chains
Contains statistics
Yes
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk