Government invests £15m in rare earth minerals research

Tonnes of rare earth elements – used for EVs and wind turbines – could soon be recycled as a result of government-backed research

The government has backed research on rare earth elements with £15 million.

Rare earth materials are a group of metals commonly used in the manufacturing of electric vehicle batteries and wind turbines.

The funding will support a programme, delivered by Innovate UK – researchers will look at innovations in the recycling of rare earth elements.

The programme will also look to unlock further private investment in projects to develop resilient supply chains for these important resources.

Nusrat Ghani, Minister of State at the Department for Business and Trade, said: “Rare earth elements underpin so much of what makes everyday life and work possible, from the cars we drive to the phones we use. It is essential that, in a rapidly changing world, we do all we can to ensure resilient supplies of these and other critical minerals.”

Mike Biddle, Executive Director for Net Zero at Innovate UK, said: “The rising costs of energy has demonstrated the importance of resilient global supply chains.

“Our CLIMATES programme will work with businesses, investors, and industry bodies to deliver a series of activities, from funding competitions to networking events and workshops, all designed to drive growth in the sector and build resilient supply chains to help us strengthen our economy and meet our environmental targets.”

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