UK READY TO PARTNER WITH MONGOLIA ON CRITICAL MINERALS

Ch. Sansar

Ulaanbaatar, May 29, 2025 — The Mongolian Critical Minerals Association (MCMA) held its 3rd Annual Seminar last week under the theme "Roadmap for Mongolian Critical Minerals Development: Shaping Mongolia's Role in the Global Transition." The event brought together global experts, government representatives, and academics to discuss the global outlook for critical minerals, Mongolia’s economic opportunities through 2050, ESG standards, sustainable sourcing, and the investment climate.

A highlight of the seminar was the participation of a UK delegation of critical minerals experts, signaling the United Kingdom’s readiness to deepen cooperation with Mongolia. The visit, organized by the British Embassy and the UK Department for Business and Trade, included site visits and direct engagement with local stakeholders.

In an exclusive interview with The Mongolian Mining Journal, British Ambassador to Mongolia, H.E. Fiona Blyth, said the UK brings a unique offer to mineral-rich countries. “The UK does not mine or process minerals domestically, but we are global leaders in research, innovation, and mining finance,” she said. “These are the areas where we believe we can work closely with Mongolia.”

She highlighted the UK’s commitment to responsible investment and long-term development. “British companies are known for high environmental, social, and governance standards. It is not just about extracting minerals — it is about contributing to education, skills, and sustainable growth.”

Ambassador Blyth also emphasized that Mongolia’s vast mineral reserves place it in a strategically important position in the global energy transition. “The real challenge is how to develop these resources sustainably, in a way that benefits both current and future generations.”

Dr. Gavin Harper, Critical Materials Research Fellow at the University of Birmingham, echoed these views, noting the complementary strengths between the two countries. “Mongolia has abundant primary resources, while the UK can offer innovation in materials processing and secondary recovery,” he said.

Harper emphasized the urgency of building infrastructure and capacity to support sustainable development and suggested that Mongolia consider urban mining and recycling as part of its strategy. “With the growing number of electric vehicles in Ulaanbaatar, it is time to plan for recycling valuable materials at end-of-life,” he added.

The seminar also featured a panel discussion engaging voices from industry, academia, and civil society on ESG, human rights, and innovation. The UK delegation’s involvement underscored the growing international interest in Mongolia’s potential to become a key player in the global critical minerals supply chain — through both traditional development and forward-looking, sustainable solutions.