Policy news & IOM3 comment

As high energy costs drive ceramics manufacturers to the brink, a petition could trigger debate.

The warning comes in a new report from the cross-party Environmental Audit Committee.

This competition seeks to award youth-led initiatives that are making meaningful contributions across diverse contexts.

AccelerateEU aims to bring relief to households and industries amid the Middle East conflict.

The UK Government is moving to introduce long-term fixed price contracts for renewables.

Exchange for Change's drinks containers specification is designed to support industry readiness, recycling and materials recovery.

Ceramics UK says this is increasing pressure on the industry.

Warnings of disruption to critical markets and calls for a National Emergency Plan for Fuel.

The UK Government says the training will be for the advanced manufacturing, clean energy, defence, digital and technology sectors.

Rolls-Royce has partnered with Great British Energy-Nuclear (GBE-N) to deliver the country’s first small modular reactors (SMRs).

Brazil, France, Japan and the US are making moves.

Funding for battery recycling plant, gigafactory and simpler street charger permissions process.

Wood Mackenzie also finds that coal rises 20% as countries diversify supply and prioritise domestic resources.

Industry insider says new UK steel tariff measures risk devastating the steelwork sector.

Hydrogen investment, largest solar site and non-pipeline carbon capture.

The funding comes from the UK Government’s £500mln Local Innovation Partnerships Fund.

There are concerns that women leaving tech has real consequences for emerging technologies and artificial intelligence (AI).

The scheme will work alongside Extended Producer Responsibility for packaging and the upcoming Deposit Return Scheme.

The unit aims to met the sector's skills needs in consultation with employers and experts.

Shipbuilding, steel, artificial intelligence (AI) and energy infrastructure are recognised as key domestic sectors.

Funding for floating infrastructure, Crown Estate promotes upcoming licensing round and UK wind generation hits new high.

Five priority sectors have been identified – built environment, energy infrastructure, textiles, transport and the food system.

Analysis from the Energy & Climate Intelligence Unit says new drilling could equal under 2% of the total already extracted.

IOM3 responds to UK Steel Strategy published following six-week consultation in March 2025.

The UK's National Audit Office has investigated measures to prevent the closure of British Steel's Scunthorpe site last year.

It aims to speed up building, strengthen national and energy security, and cut costs.

UK Science Secretary urges research funders to back better maternity leave and flexible working support.

Around 400mln barrels of oil are being released to the market.

Professionals from across the UK energy sector discuss consumer-led flexibility, digitalisation and grid decentralisation.

New study argues that words like 'upcycling' and 'downcycling' can skew value judgements.

The standard is backed by building data and science-led modelling.

The National Geothermal Centre (NGC), UK, is looking for industry leaders and experts to become official NGC champions.

The manufacturing trade body wants a bold vision that combines economic and defence security.

University of Sheffield research finds green hydrogen could fail as a sustainable fuel option without wider change.

The UK Government is urged to implement recommendations around stress in the manufacturing industry.

The Government of Zimbabwe has suspended export of these minerals with immediate effect, until further notice.

More accurate packaging data revealed a gap in funding originally calculated for the first year of pEPR.

Wales’ renewable energy industry calls on the devolved government to 'back a bold, joined-up clean power strategy'.

President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Prime Minister Narendra Modi discussed critical minerals, steel and fossil fuels.

Consultancy firm Baringa identifies a persistent structural financing gap, particularly at late‑stage development.

The Hydrogen Energy Association (HEA) urges action on hydrogen allocation rounds and government strategy refresh.

'Sustainable' wood supply will not be sufficient to absorb future demand growth, finds report.

Sunderland Labour Group is requesting that the University of Sunderland, UK, reviews its decision.

The UK shipping industry questions plans to extend the UK Emissions Trading Scheme (UK ETS) to domestic maritime.

After several years of positivity, the global green iron and steel sector is approaching a pivotal point.

The British Geological Survey (BGS) says the UK must examine less-studied areas to store 170Mt of CO₂ a year by 2050.

Aquapak's analysis has identified potential complications in the way the UK legislation defines recyclability.

Yet despite the strong earnings outlook, the UK faces a deepening skills shortage in welding.

The Wood Recyclers' Association calls on the government to protect the domestic waste-wood biomass sector.

Study names Sweden the best for women in STEM in Europe, ahead of International Day of Women and Girls in Science.

The webinars are run by Exchange for Change, the industry-led organisation implementing the scheme.

At the start of National Apprenticeship Week, Make UK proposes a Skills Investment Pledge.

Implementing the National Materials Innovation Strategy.

Navigating UK maritime decarbonisation.

The updated framework seeks to set science-based targets for reaching net-zero by 2050.

The Global Plastics Policy Centre makes recommendations ahead of the next UN negotiation committee meeting.

The new appointments will scale the Institute's work, including an audit and certification process for tailings safety.

The EU, US and Japan agree to cooperate on supply chains, while a Texas spinout is tackling recovery of these minerals.

The UK Government’s Advanced Nuclear Framework outlines investment and innovation routes in the sector.

The UKRI Chief Executive addresses concerns about research funding in an open letter.

The strategy recognises Chile is facing a strategic opportunity, considering its geological potential and mining experience.

The Bureau of International Recycling (BIR) advocates for global trade of used textiles, while WRAP calls for UK accountability.

Expanding and intensifying mining at existing sites can reportedly 'worsen environmental and social risks over time'.

The investment is into companies, infrastructure and supply chains to unlock growth for 'greener', more resilient future.

UK Energy Secretary Ed Miliband signed the Hamburg Declaration with European allies to bolster energy security.

British Geological Survey highlights industrial sand's importance is often overlooked as an essential material to the UK economy.

IOM3 submitted a response to the Government's North Sea consultation last year.

The Standard aims to ensure that government-supported hydrogen production directly contributes to carbon reduction.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration will streamline exploration license and commercial recovery permitting.

The body seeks tougher chemical policy from the European Commission's Circular Economy Act.

Decarbonisation project raises concern across the UK steel supply-chain.

A perspective on the British ceramics industry from GMB, Trades Union Congress and Green Alliance.

The Midlands Industrial Ceramics Group (MICG) creates a framework for delivering next-generation capability.

Industrials are the second-most distressed sector, partly due to the automotive sector, finds the Weil European Distress Index (WEDI).

The manufacturers trade body shares concerns about the government's revised impact assessment of the Employment Rights Act 2025,

A briefing paper reveals why flexible plastics remain one of the UK’s hardest recycling challenges and examines next steps.

Recycling Europe Textiles has made proposals to the European Commission.

Critical minerals emerge as a new frontier in energy geoeconomics, reshaping trade flows, investment and energy security.

An Outline National Framework for Materials 4.0 has been released for the UK.

Funding from UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) will be split across priority sectors linked to the government’s Industrial Strategy.

The aim is to unlock electricity to power two cities the size of London while safeguarding marine biodiversity.

The New Model Institute for Technology and Engineering (NMITE) is developing the degree with the UK Armed Forces.

The European Commission's proposes efficient energy-flow across all Member States, aiming to reduce clean energy costs.

The skills gaps and challenges for a circular economy transition.

How deep sea mining is caught between commercial opportunity and environmental caution.

Minerals Matter is an industry-backed initiative connecting young people with the mineral products and mining sectors.

The Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) outlines practical tools to support net-zero transformation in the chemical industry.

A new report highlights how climate change events are stressing structures like roads, bridges, water systems and flood defences.

The Norwegian Government is widely reported as agreeing a moratorium on issuing licences for this practice.

The companies have united to launch Responsible Glass.

The TotalEnergies project will receive alternative funding to replace Dutch and UK support.

The facility in Runcorn, England, marks the first commercial deployment of direct lithium extraction and crystallisation in Europe.

EngineeringUK analyses data on apprenticeships in England.

As one of 55 founding signatories, we're pleased to join the UK Packaging Pact.

H2 Teesside Limited has withdrawn its application for development consent.

A coalition of UK steel producers and the metal recycling industry calls for government action to support the industrial supply chain.

The energy is intended for use by the advanced manufacturing sector.

Dame Tamara Finkelstein DCB has been appointed.

The British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme is designed to reduce electricity costs for eligible businesses.

UK Chancellor has delivered her Budget to Parliament.

The Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) has extended the second public consultation period.

Representatives from government, industry and academia gathered to discuss how the UK might make headway in the global race for critical materials.

COP30, held in Belém, Brazil, concluded over the weekend with significant outcomes for materials, minerals and mining.

The Nuclear Regulatory Taskforce calls for a reset of 'overly complex' nuclear regulation.

The UK Government has launched its new Critical Minerals Strategy.

Industry stakeholders gathered to discuss the progress and challenges in achieving plastics circularity.

The UK Government paper outlines a strategy to drive frontier capability and UK leadership.

The ban follows overwhelming public support in a government consultation on the proposals.

The UK’s nuclear legacy and what it means for future generations

The protocol is being touted as the first global voluntary framework for managing circularity impacts.

Preliminary 2025 data reveal a 50% rise in recycling facility closures, reveals Plastics Recyclers Europe.

Nearly two-thirds of the companies surveyed believe the government’s trade policies impede competitiveness, finds UK Metals Council.

The UK Government will introduce fake news spotting and developing climate change awareness to the curriculum.

The stalled Net-Zero Framework (NZF) may only save a tenth of shipping’s carbon footprint by 2030, report finds.

A UK Royal Academy of Engineering report outlines recommendations for engineering education and career development.

A framework for global corporate use of high-integrity carbon credits is agreed.

Airbus will produce wings for 100 aircraft for Vietjet’s fleet.

Uncertainty is rife through Europe’s nitrogen and urea markets as the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) gets closer to enforcement on 1 January 2026.

UK Government seeks opportunities in 'clean' energy, as a study finds financial benefits from wind power for UK energy consumers.

An agreement between the US and Japan is the latest in several collaborations in the mining and processing of critical minerals.

The countries have signed a non-binding MOU to diversify global critical minerals supply chains and promote investment.

China's chemical industries to be particularly affected, according to a new report.

Important developments for circularity are coming down the line in the UK.

The Tony Blair Institute issues recommendations for government and the energy sector.

The Responsible Minerals Assurance Process (RMAP) receives recognition for compliance with the Conflict Minerals Regulation (CMR).

UK Government aims 'to boost opportunity for disadvantaged students, hold universities to account and put sector on firm financial footing'.

Minerals sector sees an alliance between the US and Australia, while Brazil launches its National Council for Mineral Policy.

The aim is to support individuals and their families in the UK in the Humber region, Lincolnshire and East Anglia.

EY identifies operational complexity as a top consideration for businesses in 2026.

The consultation comes as developer Equinor releases the latest environmental impact statement in relation to the oilfield.

Global progress report flags bottlenecks to renewable targets.

This initiative under the EU’s Union of Skills strategy will support industrial innovation, sustainability and advanced materials leadership.

A new EngineeringUK report explores parents’ perspectives on engineering and technology.

Engineers Without Borders UK drives forward globally responsible engineering

A survey commissioned by the Global Investor Commission on Mining 2030 underlines the influence and importance of the finance sector.

DG TRADE launches ReMIS (Responsible Mineral Information System) aimed at boosting transparency.

Profits sustained at US$1.3trln, despite revenue contraction to US$6.7trln, reports McKinsey.

Study shows that sufficient sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) feedstock exists to achieve net-zero by 2050.

The National Physical Laboratory (NPL) and manufacturer Xampla have developed a test to validate plastic-free materials.

Make UK finds that 8 out of 10 manufacturers want to build green technology improvements in the next five years.

The new report identifies skills shortages that hinder circular economy progress in the UK.

The European Composites Industry Association (EuCIA) presents a new sectorial alliance to promote composite rebar.

One-third of professionals also plan to retire within the next decade, the Association of Energy Engineers (AEE) survey reports.

The Nottingham Trent University analysis also states the figure has risen by more than £330mln since 2020.

Community union and British Steel call for businesses to back UK-made steel.

Communities in Ghana face risk of harm from artisanal mining practices, study shows.

A new regulation seeks to prevent the loss of plastic pellets from the supply chain into the environment.

A structured framework launched for embedding equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) principles into the circular carbon economy (CCE).

The Agency reports that high-temperature incineration (HTI) is currently the only commercially viable method for large-scale PFAS destruction.

The 'trailblazing projects' will break ground at cement works in Flintshire, North Wales, and a waste-to-energy facility in Cheshire.

Output of four-year programme provides evidence-based approaches.

Catalysing new UK-US research partnerships with a focus on solutions rooted in engineering biology.

The contract is India’s third exploration contract with the International Seabed Authority (ISA), and is its second for polymetallic sulphides.

The five-year plan aims to develop the skills needed to deliver critical infrastructure projects, energy security and net-zero ambitions.

IOM3 has written to newly appointed Secretaries of State, highlighting the key role of materials, minerals and mining.

98% of companies disclosed no plans to shift capital from carbon-intensive assets or align spending with long-term decarbonisation.

The world's largest integrated zinc producer becomes the first Indian company to join the International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM).

New deals are due to be signed boosting the build-out of nuclear power stations as international figures gather in Vienna.

How to make net-zero profitable

Chris McDonald MP FREng CEng FIMMM is the new Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State in DBT and DESNZ.

The Consolidated Mining Standard Initiative's new governance model will be adopted by its secretariat, The Copper Mark.

The British Geological Survey's interactive map scopes geothermal potential across shallow and deep technology options.

The Japanese Government is looking to strengthen critical mineral supply chains from Malawi, Zambia and Mozambique.

The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Protocol will blend existing standards.

New Secretaries of State appointed at DEFRA and DSIT.

The European plastics value chain, including the UK, is at a breaking point says trade association European Plastics Converters.

EngineeringUK releases new report following the launch of Foundation Apprenticeships in England.

The World Nuclear Performance Report shows nuclear reactors supplied more electricity than ever before in 2024.

The new publicly available dataset is claimed to be the most comprehensive compilation of mining and metals facilities globally.

Plastic Packaging Tax (PPT) receipts collected in the financial year 2024/25 totalled £259mln, decreasing by 3% compared to 2023/24.

Plans afoot to remove a ban on mining permits related to uranium-containing material.

Canada and Germany will co-fund new critical mineral projects.

We’re inviting members to take part in a new project on circularity in the wind sector.

The roadmap highlights hurdles to digital transformation.

Environmental permitting for industry and energy is to be modernised, following the Corry Review.

Colorado School of Mines researchers argue for improved critical mineral recovery.

Liberty Specialty Steel has been placed under special managers appointed by the government, after a winding down petition in the UK High Court.

Closing the gap could deliver £150bln more to UK GDP by 2035, say Make UK and Sage.

The updated toolkit aims to support governments within emerging markets to optimise carbon credits.

The move will take place by April 2026 and aims to streamline support for the space industry.

Talks failed to reach a consensus on key issues, including limitations on virgin plastic production.

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) to invest up to £3mln in Contracts for Innovation competition.

Engineering X finds a direct link between a country’s support of its engineering skills and reduced risk in the engineered environment.

The Act is intended for adoption in 2026.

The Mineral Products Association say the reforms could trigger shortages in aggregates and damage growth.

A large-scale industry trial will be undertaken on how best to incorporate reuse in Wales' Deposit Return Scheme (DRS).

Ten commercial-scale green hydrogen projects hope to boost job prospects.

Around 200 oil and gas workers in Aberdeenshire will be offered tailored support and funding.

The Maritime Minister has announced £30mln to decarbonise shipping and boost jobs.

REECON-UK brought together the rare-earth global supply chain to explore recent geopolitical developments, technological advances and resource challenges.

The UK Government agrees final investment decision, while robotics specialists report a 'world first'.

As the UK ceramics sector navigates high costs and pressure to decarbonise, there was much to discuss at an industry event.

The aim is to develop a National Policy Statement to unblock fusion projects.

The scheme administrator for Extended Producer Responsibility for Packaging (pEPR) is seeking volunteers for its steering group.

Nine of the UK’s largest grocery retailers are collaborating on reusable packaging.

Navigating the current packaging legislative landscape

IOM3 collaborates with the Institution of Chemical Engineers and the Royal Society of Chemistry to ascertain skills gaps.

Canada’s new government will restrict and reduce foreign steel imports entering the Canadian market.