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Critical minerals are essential resources that play a key role in various industries, technologies, and strategic applications. These minerals are deemed critical due to their economic importance, supply chain vulnerabilities, and significance for national security and industrial competitiveness. Here are some key points to consider when discussing critical minerals:

Importance of Critical Minerals:

• Critical minerals are utilised in a wide range of sectors, including defence, electronics, energy, aerospace, and manufacturing. Their unique properties make them indispensable for the production of high-tech devices, renewable energy systems, and advanced materials.

?Supply Chain Vulnerabilities:

• Many countries, including the Western World, rely on a limited number of nations for the supply of critical minerals. The concentration of production in specific regions, geopolitical tensions, trade restrictions, and market fluctuations can lead to supply chain disruptions, highlighting the need for diversification and resource security.
• National Security Concerns: The scarcity or unavailability of critical minerals can pose risks to national security, particularly in industries with defence applications. Dependence on foreign sources for these essential resources may compromise a country's autonomy and strategic interests.

?Environmental and Social Impacts:

• ?The extraction, processing, and disposal of critical minerals can have environmental and social consequences. Sustainable mining practices, recycling initiatives, and responsible resource management are essential to mitigate these impacts and ensure long-term resource sustainability.

?Research and Innovation:

• Efforts to promote research and innovation in the field of critical minerals are crucial to developing alternative materials, reducing reliance on scarce resources, and optimising supply chain efficiency. Technological advancements, such as material substitution, process optimisation, and waste reduction, can help address challenges related to critical mineral availability.

?In conclusion, understanding the significance of critical minerals, addressing supply chain vulnerabilities, promoting sustainable practices, and fostering innovation are vital aspects of ensuring the reliable and responsible management of these valuable resources. Collaboration between governments, industries, and research institutions is key to developing strategies that enhance resource security, drive economic growth, and support.

Tungsten is not only critical to the UK but to the Western World

Tungsten, with its remarkable properties, is a metal that plays a critical role in various industries, making it a vital resource for the UK and the Western World as a whole. Here are some key reasons why tungsten is considered crucial:

• Industrial Applications: Tungsten is renowned for its exceptional strength and durability, making it an essential component in the manufacturing sector. It is commonly used in the production of cutting tools, electronics, aerospace components, and armour-piercing ammunition. Without tungsten, many industries would struggle to operate efficiently and effectively.
• Defence and Security: Given its high density and ability to withstand high temperatures, tungsten is extensively used in military applications. It is a key material in armour-piercing projectiles, explosives, and missile systems. The strategic importance of tungsten in defence highlights its criticality for national security reasons.
• Energy Sector: Tungsten plays a significant role in the energy industry, particularly in the production of energy-efficient lighting solutions. Tungsten filaments are commonly used in incandescent light bulbs and various types of electrical equipment. As the world seeks sustainable energy alternatives, tungsten remains a valuable asset in the transition to cleaner energy sources.
• Global Supply Chain Issues: The majority of tungsten reserves are located in China, which poses a risk to the Western World in terms of supply chain vulnerability. Diversification of tungsten sources is crucial to ensure a stable supply for industries in the UK and other Western nations.
• Technological Advancements: As technology advances, the demand for tungsten continues to grow. Its unique properties make it indispensable in various high-tech applications, including electronics, telecommunications, and aerospace. Maintaining a stable supply of tungsten is essential to driving innovation and technological progress.

Tungsten, due to its exceptional properties, plays a crucial role in the field of nuclear fusion, which is seen as a promising source of clean and abundant energy. Here are some of the key uses of tungsten in nuclear fusion:

• Plasma Facing Components: In nuclear fusion reactors, tungsten is often used for plasma-facing components due to its high melting point and resistance to erosion. The intense heat and high-energy particles generated during fusion reactions require materials that can withstand extreme conditions without degrading rapidly. Tungsten's ability to maintain its structural integrity under such harsh environments makes it an ideal choice for components that come into direct contact with plasma.
• Divertor Plates: Tungsten is commonly employed in the construction of divertor plates in fusion reactors. Divertors are critical components that help control plasma stability and exhaust impurities from the fusion reaction. Tungsten's resilience to heat and its ability to effectively handle high-energy particle bombardment make it well-suited for divertor plates, ensuring long-lasting performance and efficient operation of the fusion reactor.
• Heat Sinks: Tungsten is also used as a heat sink in nuclear fusion systems to manage and dissipate excess heat generated during the fusion process. Its high thermal conductivity allows tungsten to efficiently transfer heat away from sensitive components, aiding in the overall thermal management of the reactor.
• High-Energy Particle Interaction: Tungsten's ability to withstand high-energy particle bombardment without significant degradation makes it an excellent material for containing fusion reactions. Its durability and resistance to neutron radiation make tungsten a reliable choice for handling intense conditions within a fusion reactor.

Overall, tungsten's exceptional thermal and mechanical properties make it an indispensable material in nuclear fusion research and reactor design. As the quest for clean and sustainable energy sources intensifies, the role of tungsten in enabling safe and efficient fusion energy technologies becomes increasingly significant.

In conclusion, tungsten's critical role in key industries, national security, energy production, global supply chain security, and technological advancements underscores its significance for the UK and the Western World. Efforts to secure diverse sources of tungsten supply and promote sustainable extraction practices are essential to ensuring its continued availability and strategic importance for our future.

During 2024 Hemerdon Mine is embarking on an educational piece with the local community to discuss and highlight the importance of Hemerdon Mine, and why Tungsten is critical to not only the UK but the Western World.? We will also continue to work cohesively with Central Government to drive the importance of Tungsten and work with key stakeholders to promote this world-class asset.

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