The Aluminium Federation (ALFED) is pleased to share that it has confirmation that aluminium will be included in both the critical and growth categories within the UK Government’s forthcoming Critical Minerals Strategy, due for publication in October. This recognition places aluminium at the centre of the UK’s industrial and economic future, confirming its role as a material that is both essential for resilience and a driver of sustainable growth.
This change has not happened by chance. Over recent years, ALFED has worked to consistently highlight aluminium’s strategic importance to Government and positioned it as a material at the heart of UK resilience and industrial growth. Through the development of the UK Aluminium Alliance (UKAA) developed alongside Dr Mark Jones of CONETZ (Connecting for Net Zero), ALFED has built a strong industry platform to engage policymakers, OEMs, and the supply chain, ensuring that the UK speaks with one voice on aluminium’s significance.
Aluminium’s inclusion also reflects its status internationally, following its recognition on NATO’s Critical Materials List earlier this year - a further endorsement of its global strategic value. Together, these designations secure aluminium’s place as a material critical not only to the UK economy, but to international resilience and security.
Nadine Bloxsome, Chief Executive of ALFED, said: “For too long aluminium has been overlooked in UK policy, despite being central to everything from defence to energy transition. Government’s recognition of aluminium as both a critical and growth mineral confirms what we have been saying all along: that the UK cannot afford to ignore aluminium. ALFED and the UK Aluminium Alliance will continue to champion the sector and work with Government to translate this recognition into action, investment, and policy change.”
Rachel Wiffen, Industry & Skills Development Manager at ALFED, added: “Recognition in the Critical Minerals Strategy sends a clear message about importance of the industry, and aluminium’s contribution to the UK economy, as well as reflecting the voice of the industry about the opportunities ahead for skills, innovation, and investment. It gives us a strong platform to address current challenges, engage the next generation, and ensure aluminium continues to be at the forefront of sustainable industrial growth.”
The timing of this recognition coincides with the UK Metals Expo 2025 (10–11 September, NEC Birmingham), where ALFED will play a leading role across panel sessions and initiatives. The Federation will highlight how the new critical minerals designation strengthens the case for investment in UK aluminium and showcase opportunities for collaboration across recycling, circularity, downstream innovation, and industrial decarbonisation.
“UK Metals Expo is the perfect platform to build momentum,” added Bloxsome. “This announcement proves what can be achieved when industry speaks with one voice. ALFED looks forward to working with stakeholders across government and industry to ensure the UK takes full advantage of aluminium’s recognition as a critical and growth mineral.”
For more information on ALFED’s work and the UK Aluminium Alliance, please visit: www.alfed.org.uk/policy-areas/uk-aluminium-alliance/
Come and visit us on Stand B30 at UK Metals Expo!
The Aluminium Federation (ALFED) is pleased to announce that we will be exhibiting at UK Metals Expo 2025, taking place on 10–11 September 2025 at the NEC, Birmingham. As the UK’s leading platform for the entire metals supply chain, UK Metals Expo provides a unique opportunity for ALFED to connect with key stakeholders, highlight the importance of aluminium in sustainable industrial growth, and support its extensive membership base.
With over 20 ALFED member companies also exhibiting at the show, the Expo offers an invaluable space for ALFED to engage face-to-face with members, celebrate their innovations, and align on the challenges and opportunities facing the sector.
“UK Metals Expo is not only a national showcase for the metals industry, it’s a powerful gathering for the aluminium community,” said Nadine Bloxsome, CEO of ALFED. “With more than 20 of our members taking part as exhibitors, this is an exceptional opportunity to connect directly with them, hear their priorities, and demonstrate how ALFED continues to support their growth, innovation, and influence.”
ALFED will use its platform at the show to promote aluminium’s pivotal role in driving low carbon innovation, economic resilience, and circular design. Attendees will have the chance to meet with ALFED’s leadership team, gain insight into current policy engagement, and learn how the Federation is working to shape a fair, sustainable future for the aluminium sector.
Visitor registration for UK Metals Expo is FREE, so to secure your place, and come and meet us in person, please click here.