IOM3 publishes report on the role of materials, minerals and mining in delivering the Plan the Change
The report highlights how the responsible management of the materials cycle underpins security, growth and clean energy.
The ‘Plan for Change: Milestones for a mission-led government’ was launched in December 2024 and outlined Labour’s ambitions for this parliament. It is divided into five missions - growing the economy, an NHS fit for the future, safer streets, opportunity for all, and making Britain a clean energy superpower.
All elements of the Plan for Change depend on the secure and sustainable management of material resources, in particular mission 1, on kickstarting economic growth, mission 5, on making Britain a clean energy superpower, and on the foundations of economic stability and national security. Based on the expertise of our Technical Communities and Strategic Advisors, the new IOM3 report ‘Materials-Driven Missions: Delivering the Plan for Change’ outlines the role of materials, minerals and mining industries in achieving these three broad policy objectives and unlocking synergies between them.
While the Plan for Change presents an opportunity for a coordinated and strategic approach to key policy areas, a greater focus on upstream supply chains is needed to realise a secure, sustainable and thriving economy. From the use of steel, composites and critical raw materials in offshore wind farms to biomaterials for medical devices and advanced ceramics in electronics, materials form the foundation of virtually all products on our markets. As such, the responsible management of the materials cycle is a prerequisite for delivering the government’s agenda.
Based on the findings of this report, IOM3 forwards recommendations for government action, including:
- Tackle skills shortages across materials, minerals and mining industries, including through awareness raising at all educational levels and funding for relevant degrees, apprenticeships and training programmes.
- Develop and implement a cross-industry, cross-departmental National Materials Strategy that builds on the Henry Royce Institute-led National Materials Innovation Strategy, to ensure the coordinated, efficient and responsible management of material flows.
- Prioritise the shift towards a resource-efficient and circular economic model and ensure that the implementation of the Plan for Change aligns with and reinforces the Circular Economy Strategy.
- Ensure energy-intensive materials industries in the UK remain competitive in the transition to net zero, including through support for decarbonisation and measures to reduce energy costs.
- Adopt a full-supply chain approach in the implementation of the Plan for Change, including systemically incorporating questions of materials management into government strategies on security, growth and energy.
Read Materials-driven Missions: Delivering the Plan for Change below.
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