OUR TEAM
The Critical Minerals Association (UK) team brings together changemakers and disruptors with experience across public affairs, communications, marketing, research, client relations and mining. Our expertise in critical minerals enables us to intersect with government and industry and support our members to be a part of future responsible critical mineral supply chains.
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Find out more about who we are below.
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Kirsty is an experienced policy development professional with a background in leading communications campaigns, managing high profile events and writing reports, including the CMA’s flagship papers on Environmental, Social, Governance; Developing a Talent Pipeline, Planning & Permitting, and Mineral Rights. Prior to founding the Critical Minerals Association, she worked as a consultant for The McCain Institute and The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis & Malaria, organized events for President Biden, the Rt. Hon. Theresa May.
Kirsty Benham
Founder & Chief Executive Officer
Jeff is an experienced public affairs and campaign strategist with experience working in the highest levels of business and politics. He brings skills in lobbying, public and government affairs, and campaign strategy development. He is well connected with political arenas in the UK, EU, Middle East, and Africa. Coming from a mining background, he knows the importance of the mining sector and is passionate about securing the UK’s critical mineral supply chains.
Jeff Townsend
Founder
Eileen previously served as the Asia Correspondent for the London Globalist, writing extensively about geopolitics and international policy. With experience in content creation and social media strategy for emerging NGOs, Eileen leads on our communications, partnerships, event organisation and EU engagement. Her research areas encompass economics, China, ESG and skills. She sits on the Steering Committee of the Geoscience Strategic Alliance, chaired by Dr Iain Stewart.
Eileen Maes
External Affairs Manager
Becca is finalising her PhD on environmental bio-geochemistry of lithium, characterising chemically and microbially lithium-bearing deposits and mine wastes. With a Green Chemistry and Sustainable Industrial Technology Masters, Becca’s expertise sits at the forefront of metals chemistry. She leads the CMA UK’s work on the circular economy and UK domestic critical minerals, including research, collaborations with the RSC, and hosts a breadth of expertise on mining policy and product development.
Becca Kirk
Technical Analyst
Enzo is a senior business analyst working across the critical minerals space with a focus on Rare Earth Elements. He graduated with an MA Conflict Resolution in Divided Societies, War Studies, from King’s College London, with a background in Global Sustainable Development. He is currently engaged in CMA (UK) business development and international partnerships, with a focus on Africa.
Enzo Satkuru-Granzella
Senior Analyst
Elliott delivers our political research, analysing parliamentary and policy developments, engaging high-level government officials, and building relations across Westminster and the devolved regions. With experience in media production and content creation, Elliott supports the wider team on communications and events.
Elliott Trickey
Government Affairs Associate