The Great South West’s Critical Minerals Moment Has Arrived

For decades, Devon, Cornwall and Somerset have been associated with historic mining, natural beauty and regional resilience rather than national industrial strategy. That perception is now decisively shifting. The Government’s newly published Critical Minerals Strategy places the Great South West at the centre of the UK’s plans for clean energy, advanced manufacturing and defence — not as a peripheral contributor, but as a strategic engine of renewal.

This recognition matters. Critical minerals are no longer a niche concern; they underpin everything from electric vehicle batteries and renewable energy storage to aerospace, defence systems and advanced manufacturing. Securing access to them — responsibly and domestically — has become a defining economic and geopolitical challenge.

Why this region matters now

What sets the Great South West apart is not just mineral abundance, but diversity and depth. Cornwall’s lithium reserves are increasingly viewed as vital to the UK’s battery supply chain, while tungsten and tin in Devon and Cornwall have applications across high-performance engineering and defence. These resources position the region as a cornerstone of the UK’s push towards net zero and greater supply chain independence.

Crucially, the Strategy does not frame the area solely as a site of extraction. Instead, it identifies the region as a full-spectrum hub — spanning extraction, processing, recycling and innovation. That shift reflects a more mature industrial vision, one that values circular economy principles and long-term resilience over short-term gains.

From legacy mining to modern industry

Several projects highlighted in the Strategy demonstrate how the region is already moving from legacy mining towards modern, low-carbon industrial models.

Battery recycling firm Altilium is developing circular economy infrastructure in Devon, tackling one of the most pressing challenges in clean energy: how to recover and reuse critical materials at scale. In Cornwall, Cornish Lithium and Cornish Metals have secured substantial backing from the National Wealth Fund, signalling long-term confidence in both the resources and the governance frameworks around them.

Equally important is the recognition of regional clusters in Devon and Cornwall as national centres for responsible extraction and innovation. These clusters combine industry, research and local leadership in a way that few regions can replicate quickly.

Knowledge as a strategic asset

Minerals alone do not create industrial leadership — expertise does. The Strategy’s emphasis on research institutions such as the Camborne School of Mines and the University of Exeter highlights a key competitive advantage: the Great South West is not just digging resources out of the ground, it is developing the science, technology and skills needed to do so sustainably.

The University of Exeter’s Critical Minerals Challenge Centre, in particular, represents a bridge between academic research and industrial application. This ecosystem approach strengthens the region’s case as a long-term national asset rather than a short-term extraction zone.

Jobs, skills and supply chains

If implemented well, the Strategy could reshape the regional economy in lasting ways. High-value jobs across mining, engineering, processing and clean energy are a clear opportunity, but so too are indirect benefits: stronger domestic supply chains for batteries, aerospace and defence, reduced exposure to global shocks, and new pathways for skills development aligned with future industries.

The emphasis on responsible and sustainable development is also significant. Community benefit and environmental protection are no longer optional extras; they are central to maintaining public trust and political support. The Great South West’s collaborative model — bringing together industry, universities, local authorities and regional partnerships — offers a template for how this balance can be achieved.

A test of delivery, not ambition

Strategies, however, are only as strong as their execution. The real test will be whether national recognition translates into sustained investment, streamlined regulation and long-term policy certainty. The Great South West Partnership’s commitment to working closely with government and industry will be critical in ensuring that momentum is not lost.

What is clear is that the Great South West is no longer on the sidelines of the UK’s industrial future. With the right follow-through, it has the potential to become a defining region in how Britain powers its clean energy transition, rebuilds industrial capability and secures its economic future.