The Centre for Process Innovation (CPI) in Sedgefield, County Durham, has embarked on a pioneering collaboration with the Institute for Manufacturing (IfM) at the University of Cambridge and several international partners to launch an innovative UK-India initiative focused on critical minerals. This project aims to enhance innovation and investment across the entire life cycle of critical minerals, which are essential for modern technology and clean energy solutions. A central feature of this partnership is the establishment of a dedicated observatory designed to track the supply chains and material flows of critical minerals, from their extraction through to their applications in electric vehicles.

This announcement follows a recent visit by UK Foreign Secretary Rt Hon David Lammy to India, highlighting the strengthening relationship between the two nations and the launch of the UK-India Technology Security Initiative. This initiative aims to deepen collaboration in critical and emerging technologies, focusing on sectors such as advanced materials, semiconductors, and critical minerals, thereby aligning with the ambitious goals outlined in the India-UK Roadmap 2030.

The urgency of securing critical minerals like lithium, copper, nickel, and cobalt cannot be overstated. These materials are fundamental to high-tech industries and the global economy, particularly as nations transition toward renewable energy sources. Recognizing the need for responsible practices in the mining, refining, and recycling of these resources, the UK and India are committed to securing the critical mineral supply chains necessary for achieving net-zero emissions and addressing climate change.

In partnership with the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay, IfM will spearhead the creation of the observatory, which aims to foster collaboration among academics, innovators, and industry stakeholders by providing access to comprehensive supply chain data. This observatory will develop a robust industrial data infrastructure that serves both the UK and India, enabling stakeholders to identify risks, uncover recycling opportunities, and detect potential resource shortages. The initiative will also explore advanced technologies, including personalized AI, to enhance supply chain resilience and strengthen trade connections between the two countries.

CPI’s role in this initiative includes launching an Innovation Sprint program aimed at tackling industrial challenges. This program will focus on exploring sustainable manufacturing techniques for critical mineral extraction and purification, addressing both environmental and economic concerns.

Professor Tim Minshall, Head of IfM, highlighted the significance of this collaboration, stating, “Given the global challenges related to critical minerals affecting all nations, this program is extremely important and timely. The observatory will play a key role in ensuring that technological innovation can be achieved in a way that is resilient, secure, and sustainable. We are delighted that this program is being taken forward as an international partnership, reflecting the need for a collaborative approach to these challenges.”

Dr. Arun Harish, Chief Strategy Officer at CPI, emphasized that partnerships like this are crucial for solving significant industrial challenges. “By working closely with colleagues in India, we can identify opportunities that enhance both nations’ energy security and provide much-needed solutions for transitioning sustainably away from fossil fuels. This initiative will encourage investment in key sectors and ultimately create economic opportunities in both the UK and India as we work together to develop the industries of the future.”

Professor Paul Anderson, Co-director of the Birmingham Centre for Strategic Elements and Critical Materials (BCSECM) also stressed the importance of secure access to critical materials. “Key technologies underpinning the transition to net zero, such as wind turbines, lithium-ion batteries, and hydrogen fuel cells, depend on these materials. However, the required resources and processing capabilities are rarely found in one region alone. This landmark UK-India collaboration will promote better stewardship of elemental resources and help secure access to the critical materials necessary for achieving net-zero goals.”

Overall, this initiative represents a significant step in harnessing the strengths of both the UK and India to create a sustainable industrial future. It underscores the importance of international cooperation in establishing resilient and secure critical mineral supply chains, vital for addressing global environmental challenges.