On 27th May, the UK Government‘s Mining Engineer, Darryn Quayle, spoke with Benchmark Mineral Intelligence on the UK’s potential to develop its capabilities in battery metals – lithium, copper, graphite etc. Darryn’s role is to support the mining industry, research and development, reduce mining’s environmental impact, and ensure security of supply for EVs.
The UK Government is doing lots behind the scenes – with departments like DIT, BEIS, the Faraday Battery Challenge and the Advanced Propulsion Centre all working together, but this often isn’t publicised, making Darryn’s insights all the more interesting.
Key takeaways from the discussion were:
We’re witnessing the next industrial revolution and building industries of the future – why do we have to use the same rules as the past. This is our opportunity to create new rules and use mining as a force for good – to help combat climate change and reduce poverty by empowering resource rich, though economically disadvantaged countries. Given the lead time for mining project development and vertical integration, if we don’t have something established in the next 5-6 years we won’t be in a good place.
If there’s ever a country built for innovation and invention it’s the UK, and we could benefit other countries in the process. The UK has huge potential in raw materials, processing, research expertise and its existing automotive sector. Cornwall has an incredible metal mining history with global mining terminology having originated from the region.
Life Cycle Assessments (LCAs) will be hugely important for measuring the carbon impact of these new technologies, and we have an opportunity to ensure our LCA values are lower than other countries. This comes after decades of investment in renewable energy generation ranging from on and offshore wind to biomass and solar.
There is enormous pressure and desire to get this right, and mining, mineral processing and refining is the place to be in the UK right now. If you’re looking to move to the UK, develop in the UK, please get in touch and expect a welcome with open arms.
If you'd like to speak to Darryn about your project, please email kirsty@criticalmineral.org with the subject 'UK DIT Darryn Quayle'
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