Handing over public money to critical mineral importers has “worrying implications”, campaigners say

Date: 1 November 2024
Campaigns: Trade

Commenting on UK Export Finance support for critical minerals in the UK Budget, Cleodie Rickard, trade campaign manager at Global Justice Now said:

Handing over public money to companies importing critical minerals with no strings attached has worrying implications – especially as military companies top the list. Indeed, though touted as key to net zero, half the ‘critical’ minerals on the UK’s list actually play no role in green energy – but serve defence and aerospace objectives. On top of this, mineral mining itself is rife with human rights abuses and environmental damage. For a green transition that is globally just, we need to see assurances that extractive projects have genuine community consent, the highest standards and protections, and global south countries can develop their resources for local benefit unimpeded by neoliberal trade rules.