Earlier this year ESE founder Dr Jose Gonzalez-Rodriguez submitted evidence to Parliament regarding an inquiry into critical minerals. This evidence has been accepted and can be read here.
Aims of the critical minerals inquiry
The critical minerals inquiry intended to consider how the UK can engage with global partners in a way that will diversify supply chains while also respecting human and environmental rights.
The committee proposed to look at ways in which the UK can build strong alliances for the global regulation of the critical minerals market as well as promoting improved environmental, social and governance performance in critical mineral mining and processing.
A wealth of evidence
47 pieces of written evidence were accepted for this inquiry, including the piece from ESE founder Jose.
Jose’s evidence emphasises his expertise in the recovery of critical materials and the technologies created by ESE in order to recover and recycle these minerals.
Conclusions
Jose summarised several conclusions to this inquiry, some of which can be read below:
- Increase in recycling for critical materials within the UK must become a priority.
- There is an urgent need to perform an analytical survey to assess availability of critical materials when supply is greatly threatened.
- An in-depth study on the suitability of novel technologies for the extraction of low-yield sources of critical metals needs to be performed.
- The UK needs to implement a wider strategy to stockpile and preserve key critical materials.
- Negotiations and agreements on accessing and securing trading of critical minerals with continental Europe need to be explored to maintain a minimum supply in case of need.
To read Jose’s full written evidence, visit the Parliament website here.