NORTH Pembrokeshire is among the areas of the UK that could contain Critical Raw Materials (CRMs) upon which modern technology relies.

A British Geological Survey survey identified the geological processes necessary to form CRM deposits. It then mapped the criteria against available data. The study team used geological maps, soil and sediment geochemistry, and mineral occurrences to identify potentially prospective areas containing CRMs.

CRMs are those minerals that are economically important, like those needed to make batteries and semiconductors. They are vital for the clean energy transition and at the greatest risk of supply chain disruption.

The UK has 18 metals and minerals on its CRM list, with another six highly important materials. These are almost exclusively obtained from mining and refining operations in other countries, although tungsten has been mined in the UK in recent years.

Along with several other areas identified, North Pembrokeshire has a long history of mineral mining stretching back to prehistoric times. Dinas Fawr, near Solva, once had a silver mine. A lead mine at Llanfyrnach provided 150 tons of lead ore (galena) monthly. Silver was also extracted from the galena.

“Potentially prospective” doesn’t mean inevitable mining, which many, regardless of economic need and importance, would oppose on principle.

The report’s authors stress that identifying an area as prospective does not necessarily mean it will be targeted for exploration and mining.

Eimear Deady, BGS Mineral Resource Geologist, said: “Our report identifies the parts of the UK where the geological criteria have been met and therefore have the potential for deposits to occur. There are no guarantees.

“The report focuses on the geological evidence and does not consider potential constraints on development; for example, where there are areas of outstanding beauty, villages and towns, or other environmental considerations.

“Much more research is required. Prospectors must go through a well-established planning process if they find evidence of commercially viable CRM deposits. Only one in a thousand potential mineral exploration projects becomes an operating mine.

“The areas we have identified, along with other parts of the UK, are underexplored, and we need more systematic research to understand the potential availability of CRMs in our country.

Dr Kathryn Goodenough, the BGS’s Chief Geologist and co-author of the report said: “Gold, barite, fluorite, gypsum, potash and polyhalite are among the minerals being mined now. Exploration for many raw materials is occurring across the whole of the UK.

“Some CRMs, like lithium, tin and graphite, are typically the primary products of mines. Others are produced as co- or by-products.

“Where mining develops for other commodities, it is always important that miners also assess the potential for CRMs in their deposits.

“Other countries like Canada, the USA, Norway, Sweden and Finland are mapping their geological potential. They also understand the risk of relying entirely on global supply chains for minerals that are vital to our way of life.”