The Aluminium Federation (ALFED) has confirmed that aluminium will be classified under both the critical and growth categories in the UK government’s upcoming Critical Minerals Strategy, which is scheduled for release in October.

This recognition positions aluminium as a core element of the UK’s industrial and economic future, affirming its dual role: an essential material for enhancing national resilience and a key driver of sustainable growth.

This milestone is not accidental. In recent years, ALFED has consistently advocated for aluminium’s strategic importance to the UK government, framing it as a material central to the country’s resilience and industrial expansion. To strengthen this effort, ALFED, in collaboration with Dr Mark Jones from CONETZ (Connecting for Net Zero), developed the UK Aluminium Alliance (UKAA). This alliance has built a robust industry platform that engages policymakers, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), and supply chain partners, ensuring the UK speaks with a unified voice on aluminium’s significance.

Aluminium’s inclusion in the UK strategy also aligns with its international standing. Earlier this year, aluminium was added to NATO’s Critical Materials List—another validation of its global strategic value. Together, these designations solidify aluminium’s status as a material critical not only to the UK economy but also to global resilience and security.

Nadine Bloxsome, Chief Executive of ALFED, commented: “For far too long, aluminium has been overlooked in UK policy, even though it is vital to everything from national defence to the energy transition. The government’s recognition of aluminium as both a critical and growth mineral confirms what we have been emphasizing all along: the UK cannot afford to ignore aluminium. ALFED and the UK Aluminium Alliance will continue to advocate for the sector and work with the government to turn this recognition into tangible actions, investments, and policy changes.”

Rachel Wiffen, Industry & Skills Development Manager at ALFED, added: “Being included in the Critical Minerals Strategy sends a clear signal about the industry’s importance and aluminium’s contribution to the UK economy. It also reflects the industry’s perspective on the upcoming opportunities in skills development, innovation, and investment. This gives us a strong foundation to address current challenges, engage the next generation of talent, and ensure aluminium remains at the forefront of sustainable industrial growth.”

Notably, this recognition comes ahead of the UK Metals Expo 2025 (taking place on 10–11 September at the NEC Birmingham), where ALFED will play a leading role in panel discussions and related initiatives. The federation plans to highlight how the new critical minerals designation strengthens the case for investing in the UK’s aluminium sector, while also showcasing collaboration opportunities across areas like recycling, circular economy practices, downstream innovation, and industrial decarbonization.

Bloxsome added: “The UK Metals Expo is the ideal platform to build momentum. This announcement demonstrates what can be achieved when the industry unites with a single voice. ALFED looks forward to working with stakeholders from both the government and industry to ensure the UK fully capitalizes on aluminium’s recognition as a critical and growth mineral.”