The UK’s ESG Working Group, under the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), has launched a comprehensive new paper focused on advancing a responsible and sustainable lithium supply chain within the country. This initiative comes as lithium, a mineral deemed “critical” by the UK and many international partners, becomes increasingly vital for clean energy generation and storage technologies.
The paper, developed in collaboration with Minviro and other prominent ESG experts, academics, and industry representatives, outlines a strategic roadmap for the UK to lead by example in responsible lithium sourcing and lithium-ion battery manufacturing.
The report features a foreword from Noah Law MP, Chair of the UK All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Critical Minerals, highlighting governmental support for sustainable mineral sourcing. It also examines recent policy developments, such as the UK Critical Minerals Strategy, Invest 2035, the EU Battery Regulation, and the Critical Raw Materials Act, emphasizing the UK’s commitment to sustainable growth in critical mineral supply.
A core focus of the report is on life cycle assessments (LCAs) and other validation tools designed to mitigate environmental and social risks throughout the lithium supply chain. From extraction and processing to cathode material production and battery recycling, the report provides a detailed examination of ESG risks and opportunities at every stage.
The paper concludes with multi-stakeholder recommendations aimed at bolstering the UK’s capacity to secure a sustainable and responsible domestic lithium supply, ensuring alignment with international ESG standards and long-term environmental goals.
