Major regional projects highlighted in government report
A newly published government report is identifying Devon, Cornwall and Somerset as strategically important areas for the country’s future plans for clean energy, advanced manufacturing and defence.
Business leaders explain the Critical Minerals Strategy report underlines the region’s unique mineral wealth. They point to tin and lithium deposits in Cornwall alongside tungsten reserves in Devon and Cornwall.
They say Whitehall’s strategy positions the Great South West as a leading region for critical minerals extraction, processing and recycling.
‘This Strategy is a landmark moment for the Great South West. It recognises the region as essential to the UK’s clean energy transition, industrial resilience, and long-term economic security,’ says Karl Tucker, Chair of the Great South West Partnership.
‘The Government’s explicit acknowledgement of our regional clusters and innovation ecosystem reinforces what we have long championed: this region has the assets, the expertise, and the ambition to power a new era of sustainable industrial growth.’
Several major regional projects are highlighted, including advancing battery recycling in Devon. Experts add both counties contain areas recognised as ‘key national hubs for responsible extraction, processing and innovation.’
They add that the emphasis of the region’s research strength highlights the work undertaken at world-leading institutions, such as Camborne School of Mines and the University of Exeter (home to the Critical Minerals Challenge Centre).
‘Accelerate opportunities for investment, innovation, and skilled jobs’
‘The Strategy rightly recognises the depth of capability across Cornwall, Devon and Somerset – from world-class mining expertise to cutting-edge processing and research,’ says Mark Hewson, Great South West Board Member and UK Hub Director at Imerys UK.
‘Companies across the region are already delivering low-carbon, responsible mineral projects that set the benchmark for the UK.’
‘The continued collaboration between industry, universities, local authorities, and the Great South West Partnership is a major strength, and this announcement will accelerate opportunities for investment, innovation, and skilled jobs.’
The Great South West Partnership explains it aims to work closely with government, industry and universities with the goal of accelerating investment into regional innovation and low-carbon extraction technologies.
It seeks to strengthen domestic supply chains for batteries, aerospace, defence and manufacturing plus ensure there are high-value jobs across the mining, engineering, processing and clean energy sectors.
