The rapid expansion of datacentres, AI and quantum computing will place increasing pressure on already vulnerable global critical mineral supply chains, according to new government-backed research.

A report published by the UK Critical Minerals Intelligence Centre, which is hosted by the British Geological Survey, warns that securing supplies of critical minerals will be essential to support the UK’s digital infrastructure and future economic growth.

The report notes that datacentres have now been recognised as UK critical national infrastructure, with more than 90 new facilities planned by 2030. As demand for digital services grows, so too will the need for minerals including copper, aluminium, rare earth elements, lithium and cobalt, as well as specialist materials required for quantum technologies.

However, many of these materials are sourced through immature global supply chains that rely on exports from a small number of countries. The report also highlights that many critical minerals are produced only as by-products of mining and refining other commodities, leaving supplies exposed to fluctuations in wider metals markets and geopolitical pressures.

The research identifies several measures to improve resilience, including supply chain diversification, international partnerships and targeted development of domestic capabilities. It also points to opportunities for the UK to expand mining, refining, recycling and processing capacity for some critical minerals, while adding that international collaboration will remain essential.

Dr Holly Elliott, BGS minerals geoscientist and lead author of the report, said: “While some of the materials used in digital technologies have highly concentrated supply chains, there are also opportunities to improve resilience through innovation, international collaboration, diversification of supply and the development of specialist capabilities where the UK already has strengths.

“The UK has already invested in the development of a skilled domestic workforce and created growth zones but, to become a centre of excellence within the digital revolution, we must identify potential bottlenecks and vulnerabilities in the critical mineral supply for the decades to come, and act now.

“Whilst the UK has the potential to develop domestic supplies of certain critical minerals, it is unlikely to achieve self-reliance and cannot become a specialist in all parts of the supply chain. Access to global supply chains, international collaboration and strategic partnerships therefore remain vital; the opportunity best lies in collaboration and strategic partnerships to offset the risk posed by geopolitical uncertainty.”

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