ALFED has formally submitted evidence to the UK Parliament’s Business and Trade Sub-Committee inquiry on Critical Minerals, contributing directly to discussions on how the UK secures supply chains and strengthens domestic industrial capability.
Members can access the full submission here.
This inquiry is highly significant, with outcomes expected to shape future Government policy on trade, industrial strategy, energy and supply chain resilience, all of which directly impact the UK aluminium sector.
Our position
In our submission, ALFED has clearly set out that aluminium must be recognised as a strategic material within the UK’s critical minerals framework, given its central role in:
- Defence, infrastructure and national security
- Energy transition and electrification
- Manufacturing and circular economy systems
We also highlighted the UK’s current vulnerabilities, particularly around import reliance, high energy costs and the export of valuable aluminium scrap.
Key recommendations to Government
ALFED’s submission focuses on three core priorities:
- Recognition of aluminium as a strategic material within national policy
- Development of a domestic circular economy, including scrap retention and recycling capacity
- Alignment of energy, trade and industrial policy to restore UK competitiveness
Why this matters
This is a critical opportunity to ensure the aluminium industry is fully represented at the highest levels of Government. The direction of this inquiry will influence:
- Future industrial and trade policy
- Investment in domestic manufacturing and recycling
- The UK’s ability to compete in increasingly volatile global markets
ALFED will continue to engage closely with Government and Parliament as this inquiry progresses and will keep members updated on any developments.
If you have any further insights or would like to contribute to ongoing engagement in this area, please contact the ALFED team.
