Critical minerals are central to modern society and the global transition to cleaner energy systems. These minerals include the rare earth elements, which are essential for electric motors and wind turbines, as well as those that underpin battery technologies such as lithium, graphite, cobalt and nickel. As demand grows, countries worldwide are seeking to better understand the distribution, quality and economic potential of their geological resources, particularly in under-explored regions.

Across the African continent, geological survey organisations (GSOs) play vital, national roles in gathering, managing and interpreting geological and mineral data. The availability of such data supports good governance, sustainable development and transparent decision making, so strengthening this capability is essential to enabling countries to fully benefit from their natural resources.

For the past three years, BGS has been working in partnership with the Geological Survey Department of Zambia (GSD) to advance their understanding of the country’s natural resources. Together, we are making better use of Zambia’s existing geological data to improve national understanding of key metals and minerals such as copper, graphite, lithium and cobalt. This collaboration is grounded in shared priorities: building national capacity, improving data accessibility and supporting long-term, sustainable development.

How GSD is supporting the Zambian government’s critical minerals ambitions

A dedicated team of GSD geologists has been working with BGS specialists to strengthen Zambia’s national capability in critical minerals. This began with the development and publication of the guide, a national reference designed to support government planning and industry engagement. Building on this guide, GSD and BGS are now working on a new, national-scale critical mineral occurrence map. Focusing on Zambia’s eleven designated critical minerals, the map integrates the country’s most up-to-date geological information, mineral occurrences, verified deposits and operational mining and processing facilities. Built from high-quality, GIS-ready datasets, updated infrastructure data and insights from recent joint field campaigns, the map represents the most detailed digital geological dataset currently available for national planning and investment promotion.

Both the guide and draft map were formally launched on 25 February 2026 and received strong support from Zambia’s mineral exploration sector, government ministries and academia, reflecting widespread recognition of the importance of the map and guide to Zambia’s mineral strategy, helping to build confidence in the sector.

Partnerships for the future

As global demand for critical minerals grows, the role of GSOs and the partnerships between them will only become more important. Such partnerships strengthen national capability by combining technical expertise, modern data practices and long-term capacity building. GSOs and the data they manage provide the authoritative, long-term scientific evidence needed to understand a country’s resources, support safe and sustainable development and guide informed decision making across government, industry and society.

The British Geological Survey (BGS) has released a new shallow subsurface geological synthesis of the southern North Sea in the first formal review of this region since the 1990s. A wealth of new subsurface data has been generated through the rapid expansion of offshore wind farm (OWF) development since the last assessment.

In total, the new synthesis draws on data from 22 OWFs and cable landfall sites from recent publications and open data available through The Crown Estate’s . Bringing these diverse datasets together presented a rare opportunity to enhance our geological understanding of the region, providing a detailed baseline resource to support more efficient and better-informed offshore development projects in the future.

Findings from the updated review have revealed much greater geological complexity within the region than indicated by the previous assessment, which was developed between the 1970s and 1990s on the back of data collected during oil and gas developments. Modern OWF investigations, supported by comprehensive borehole drilling, cone penetration tests and seismic datasets, show that many of the geological formations contain a variety of distinct sedimentary characteristics. This complexity has direct implications for foundation design and ground modelling, including the identification of geo-engineering constraints and geohazards, which is crucial information for a wide range of offshore infrastructure development.

The assessment examined evidence across pre-glacial, glacial, interglacial and post‑glacial periods from 200 million years ago to the present day. Understanding how different sedimentary units were deposited provides vital insight into geological formations that may present specific geo-engineering complications. This includes mixed soils, boulders, glacially compacted sediments or organic-rich layers. Organic units can be problematic for cable installation due to their fibrous nature, presenting considerable challenges to cable routing.

It is not a requirement for UK offshore infrastructure projects to collect samples for dating and biostratigraphy; however, where they are available, absolute dating (radiocarbon and optical stimulated luminescence data) information has also been included within the assessment. Neighbouring countries such as the Netherlands recognise the value of this data, as it can help to better predict age-based sedimentary characteristics and ultimately better inform geotechnical characterisation around a project’s design.

The report outlines several recommendations to enhance the resource further, including improving fine-scale mapping, ingesting geotechnical datasets for each geological subunit and strengthening international collaboration to harmonise North Sea stratigraphy. The findings presented in the main report can be aligned with results presented in the , which is a data catalogue highlighting the key geological features and associated engineering constraints for OWF development as part of the . Both resources provide complementary datasets and criteria essential for evaluating OWF site suitability.

This work provides:

• an opportunity to advance scientific understanding
• resources to strengthen national collaboration
• supporting baseline evidence for the energy transition, energy security and wider marine planning
  

The release of this report marks an important milestone in compiling geological observations from literature and offshore wind farm development over the past 30 years or so. It brings together a wealth of new offshore geological data that enhances our understanding of the shallow subsurface in the marine environment in the southern North Sea. We hope this dataset will provide strong baseline evidence to support national and international collaboration for efficient offshore development and act as a blueprint for other areas around the UK Continental Shelf.

Nikki Dakin, BGS Senior Marine Geoscientist

We would encourage similar consolidation of geological information across the wider North Sea, Celtic Sea, Irish Sea, The Solent and English Channel, making full use of the substantial dataset holdings within the Marine Data Exchange. There is also significant potential to extend this approach internationally, working with neighbouring countries.

Such data provides a robust evidence base for industry, regulators and researchers, marking an important step toward a fully modernised geological model and improving our understanding of offshore stratigraphy across the UK Continental Shelf.

The report and geological assessment are now available online: .

BGS would like to acknowledge The Crown Estate as well as wind farm developers for contributing reports and data to The Crown Estate’s Marine Data Exchange.

Scientists from the UK Critical Mineral Intelligence Centre (CMIC) provided a live webinar, showcasing major research outputs from the last year:

• copper waste and scrap flows for the UK
• future of digital
• the methodological progress on criticality assessments

The presentations were followed by a question-and-answer session with the panel.
A recording of the event is now available below.

As acknowledged in Vision 2035: The UK Critical Minerals Strategy, critical minerals underpin the UK’s economy, technology, energy transition, industrial resilience and national security. As global markets and geopolitics become more volatile and supply chains more complex, the UK must continually refine how it identifies and manages supply risks for its material needs.

The UK’s foremost research agencies and institutes have come together to launch the National Research Organisations (NRO) Group. The NRO Group is a trusted partner for government, academia and industry, providing a unified and authoritative perspective on science, policy and research investment to make research matter.

The NRO Group has been formed to address fragmentation across the UK research landscape and unlock the full potential of national research organisations. This will involve clearer governance, strategic alignment and better visibility of these unique capabilities. By creating an authoritative, collegiate voice and a trusted interface, the NRO Group ensures science-based insight informs decisions and connects major national priorities to improve people’s lives, boost growth and ensure security and resilience, while also driving progress toward net zero and UK environmental goals.

Research and development are essential to building a better Britain. From new treatments for cancer to breakthroughs in clean energy or developing the computers of the future, the path to a stronger economy and society will be dependent on science and innovation.

There has never been a better time for the UK’s research institutes and public research bodies to pull together. By aligning their capabilities to deliver maximum impact, the NRO Group will be a key part of our efforts to ensure that science and technology benefits everyone.

Lord Vallance, Science Minister. 

BGS has a long history of working closely with fellow research institutes and organisations, and we are delighted to be part of the National Research Organisations Group. Geoscience has a crucial role to play in addressing societal challenges and enabling economic growth and we look forward to continuing our work as part of this initiative, delivering geoscience for benefit of society.

Dr Karen Hanghøj, BGS Director.

The NRO Group brings together many agencies and institutes that provide unique national and international capabilities. Their principal purpose is to perform curiosity-driven and focused full-time research, from searching for new antibiotics to the clean jet engines of the future. The group is underpinned by a formal partnership agreement, to generate maximum value for the economy, security and the lives of people.

I’ve worked with many national research organisations over the last 25 years and have consistently been inspired by how their science improves lives, drives growth and ensures our national security. Through the new NRO Group, we aim to do even more good for the nation and our people.

Dr Stuart Wainwright, director of the NRO Group and CEO of the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology.

Find out more

Today (23 November 2025), the UK Government published its for the UK. The strategy recognises the UK’s need to further develop links with international partners, increase domestic production where feasible and invest in the circular economy. This strategy provides a tangible blueprint for these ambitions – now accurate, real-time minerals data will be essential in supporting the Government in its objectives.  

The UK Critical Minerals Intelligence Centre (CMIC), hosted by the British Geological Survey (BGS), launched in 2022 with support from the Department of Business and Trade. CMIC informs UK decision makers to enable the securing of adequate, timely and sustainable supplies of critical minerals. This will ensure that the UK can transition its economy in the coming decades to meet challenges such as achieving net zero emissions and realising the Government’s industrial strategy and economic growth agenda.

The geopolitical picture in 2025 demonstrates a complex, unpredictable and interconnected world. Establishing secure supply chains of critical and growth minerals to achieve the UK’s economic aspirations has never been more important. The country’s ambitions in relation to the energy transition, economic growth, security and digital agendas, are directly connected to reliable access to these resources.

Dr Gavin Mudd of BGS and director of the UK Critical Minerals Intelligence Centre (CMIC)

Almost all critical minerals are currently imported, meaning it is important to understand the complex global supply chains that deliver them. CMIC’s mission is to analyse those supply chains and provide impartial and objective advice that helps the UK secure sustainable supplies of critical minerals for its various industries. In 2024, CMIC’s UK Criticality Assessment revealed the vulnerability of the UK’s economy to supply disruption for specific minerals. The analysis was designed to support policymakers in building economic resilience and securing the minerals that are important to the country’s growth aspirations and national security. CMIC has played a crucial role in informing this new Government strategy.

In 2023, BGS entered into a data-sharing partnership with to enhance understanding of the seabed and shallow subsurface conditions across the United Kingdom continental shelf . The partnership granted BGS access to Ossian’s extensive survey data, with the development set to become one of the world’s largest floating wind farms.

In total the lease area covers 858 km² and is located 84 km off Scotland’s east coast. Once glaciated and now submerged at approximately 72 m depth, the site offers a unique opportunity to investigate offshore stratigraphy and geomorphology in a region undergoing rapid environmental and industrial transformation. It also allows researchers to compare findings to Ossian’s parent company ’ other projects in the Firth of Forth: and .

As part of the project, BGS scientists hosted a dedicated workshop attended by members of the Ossian project team, which included a mini-field trip day in Midlothian close to the BGS office in Edinburgh. The field trip allowed the project teams to explore similarities to geological features found onshore and discuss the broader implications for interpreting offshore survey data. By examining glacial deposits, meltwater channels and till sequences in a terrestrial setting, geoscientists can refine offshore geological models and reduce uncertainty in infrastructure design.

A key example observed during the field trip was the heterogeneity of the sediments across relatively small areas, with notable variations in grain size, composition and depositional structure. These complexities mirror the variability of ground conditions found offshore and highlight the importance of detailed site characterisation when planning and constructing marine infrastructure.

To help contextualise the offshore data, the field trip explored several key geological sites in Midlothian, each offering valuable insights into glacial processes and sedimentary environments similar to those observed beneath the sea.

Auchencorth Moss: Black Burn exposure (Local Geodiversity Site)

Auchencorth Moss is an extensive, peat-covered plateau dissected by small streams and drainage channels. The , where a tributary joins the River North Esk near Penicuik, features an exposure of three distinct glacial tills with varying physical characteristics and compositions. Though partially obscured by slope wash and vegetation, the upper sections remain visible and accessible for study. The exposure reveals how glacial processes deposited and reworked sediments, which act as a useful analogue for interpreting stratified units offshore.

Carlops meltwater channel

There is a classic example of a subglacial meltwater channel systems at , a Geological Conservation Review Site and partially a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).

The bedrock-cut channels at Carlops exhibit braided forms, rock islands and chute features. These geomorphological structures help explain the beneath ice sheets, which are also evident in offshore channel features. The site also provides a good opportunity to emphasise the scale of channel features, helping to conceptualise the variability of the offshore landscape.

Hewan Bank

, an SSSI located close to Roslin Glen, presents a textbook sequence of two tills overlain by sands and gravels. The locality has been used to construct the regional glacial stratigraphy for the Edinburgh and Lothians area.

The debate over whether these represent separate glaciations or complex depositional environments mirrors the interpretive challenges faced offshore, where seismic and core data must be carefully analysed to distinguish between similar units. The wider Roslin Glen area, known for its meltwater gorge and incised meanders, also illustrates the erosional power of glacial meltwater and the formation of geomorphological features that can be traced in offshore bathymetry and sediment records.

Collaboration

The collaboration between Ossian, SSE Renewables and BGS provides important new data that is being used to update baseline geological models for the Central North Sea and the Firth of Forth. These feed into BGS’s publicly available offshore maps and datasets, which support a wide range of users including developers, regulators, researchers and marine planners. Integrating data from offshore wind farms such as Ossian with existing geological frameworks will help to guide future offshore developments and promote the sustainable use of marine resources.

This initiative also builds on BGS’s longstanding relationship with Ossian joint venture partner SSE Renewables and highlights the value of sustained collaboration in delivering large-scale renewable energy projects. The Ossian floating wind farm, which is a joint venture between SSE Renewables, and (CIP), is set to deliver up to 3.6 GW of renewable energy, enough to power 6 million homes and offset up to 7.5 million tonnes of carbon emissions, marking a significant step forward in the UK’s journey to net zero.

About the author

Catriona Macdonald
Margaret Stewart

Knapton H2 Storage is a consortium led by gas distributor Northern Gas Networks and partnered with BGS, Centrica Energy Storage, Third Energy Onshore and the University of Edinburgh. The consortium has been awarded ‘Discovery’ funding by Ofgem’s Strategic Innovation Fund (SIF) to undertake a new study to evaluate geological storage potential in the Knapton area, North Yorkshire. The Ofgem SIF funding is designed to drive innovation in energy networks as part of the ‘Revenue = incentives + innovation + outputs’ (RIIO-2) price control for gas and electricity networks.

Energy storage and backup power will become increasingly important as the UK increases the amount of renewable energy supplying electricity. This study is the first of its kind in the region and will undertake a feasibility assessment of the area’s geology to host energy storage technologies, allowing for the decarbonisation of adjacent gas-fired peaking power plants (those that only run when there is high demand) such as that at Knapton.

The Knapton, Vale of Pickering and North Yorkshire area hosts a fantastic diversity of geology that may be used for storing hydrogen. The region contains numerous depleted hydrocarbon reservoirs that may have potential for repurposing, alongside other porous rock aquifers, salt deposits and rocks that may support lined rock shafts. The study will generate an understanding of what is possible for hydrogen storage at scale in the local area, supporting the area’s local economy and the UK’s energy security.

The natural geology of the area around Knapton will play an important role in supporting the use of hydrogen in the region. Storing hydrogen gives flexibility to the energy system, allowing excess hydrogen to be stored for use during periods when demand exceeds supply. In this project, BGS will build on its extensive laboratory and mapping programmes to help identify areas of the underground geology that may represent future exploration targets for hydrogen storage in bedrock.

Edward Hough, research lead in underground energy storage at BGS.

As more renewables come online, energy storage will be critical to UK energy security and to clean power. Understanding the full potential for storing hydrogen at scale through Knapton H2 Storage will give us key insights into how we can deliver technologies to provide clean resilience on the days where the sun doesn’t shine and the wind doesn’t blow.

Keith Owen, head of energy futures at Northern Gas Networks.

Centrica’s Knapton site is being redeveloped as a multi-vector energy hub for solar generation, green hydrogen production and battery storage. But without dedicated hydrogen storage, its ability to support seasonal balancing, system resilience and flexible dispatch (H2P) will be fundamentally constrained. This project will advance integration readiness at Knapton and commercial readiness of storage technologies, whilst unlocking a replicable model for medium- to large-scale hydrogen storage to support H2P roll-out and network resilience.

Chris McClane, energy transition interface manager at Centrica.