Earlier this year, BEIS commissioned the British Geological Survey to carry out the UK’s first criticality assessment, and it defined 18 critical minerals with the highest supply risk and economic importance. However, the Government recognises that UK needs and international markets can change, and therefore the assessment will be reviewed regularly through the Critical Minerals Intelligence Centre (CMIC).

The Critical Minerals Strategy sets out plans to improve the resilience of critical minerals supply chains by boosting domestic capability, enhancing global markets, and playing a leading role in solving global challenges with our international partners.

The Government is fully aware of the importance of molybdenum-99 (Mo-99) supplies for the National Health Service. However, Euratom places no restrictions on the export of medical isotopes to countries outside the European Union. Therefore, the United Kingdom’s ability to import medical isotopes from Europe and the rest of the world, will not be affected by withdrawal from Euratom.

The Government recognises the concern that changes to customs and border processes as a result of withdrawal from the EU and the EU Customs Union could affect the timely supply of medical radioisotopes. It is in the interest of both the UK and EU to avoid disruption in the timely access of treatment to patients; and to ensure that cross-border trade with the EU is frictionless as possible. Continued access to these critical products remains a high priority topic for the Government in both our domestic preparations as well as in our negotiations on our future relationship with the EU.

The Government is fully aware of the importance of molybdenum-99 (Mo-99) supplies for the National Health Service. However, Euratom places no restrictions on the export of medical isotopes to countries outside the European Union. Therefore, the United Kingdom’s ability to import medical isotopes from Europe and the rest of the world, will not be affected by withdrawal from Euratom.

The Government recognises the concern that changes to customs and border processes as a result of withdrawal from the EU and the EU Customs Union could affect the timely supply of medical radioisotopes. It is in the interest of both the UK and EU to avoid disruption in the timely access of treatment to patients; and to ensure that cross-border trade with the EU is frictionless as possible. Continued access to these critical products remains a high priority topic for the Government in both our domestic preparations as well as in our negotiations on our future relationship with the EU.

Molybdenum-99 (Mo-99) is currently made in nuclear research reactors. There are currently six active reactors in the world that produce more than 90% of the world’s Mo-99 supply, the following table lists these reactors and their location. Australia and South Africa are not members of Euratom.