Policy news & IOM3 comment

The Welsh Government will pursue a separate Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) to the rest of the UK to include glass bottles.

Australia's National Reconstruction Fund Corporation (NFRC) has made its first investment of $40mln in original equipment manufacturers for the mining sector.

The UK Government intends to introduce legislation to prevent new coal mining licences as part of its clean energy transition efforts.

An open letter, led by the Industrial Transition Accelerator (ITA), urges governments to use policy to stimulate demand for green products

Think tank Planet Tracker urges governments and investors to focus on terrestrial mining improvements as it publishes two reports in its deep-sea mining series.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer announces the UK's aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from 1990 levels by 81% by 2035 at COP29.

A UK carbon border adjustment mechanism (CBAM) will be introduced from the start of 2027 for some energy-intensive imports.

UK Export Finance can provide financial support for overseas projects that source critical minerals for use in UK industries.

The government's response confirms a mass balance approach for chemically recycled plastic.

The Curriculum and Assessment Review is calling for evidence, inviting IOM3 members to participate in the development of the curriculum and assessment system.

Rachel Reeves has today (30 October) outlined the UK Government’s plans for taxes, investment and spending.

In a change of position, the US Treasury Department will allow some mining companies to access a tax credit aimed at boosting American production of solar panels, lithium-ion batteries and other energy components.

Key ministers have committed to a Producer Responsibility Organisation (PRO) to abet the packaging Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Scheme.

IOM3 Policy & Influence calls all IOM3 members to share their expertise for ongoing policy consultations.

Single-use vapes, which contain lithium, will be banned in England from 1 June 2025.

The think-tank's report explores the complexities of industrial change and stresses inclusive strategic planning.

The Waste and Resources Action Programme (WRAP) is supporting action for fruit and veg to be sold without packaging.

Claims of recycled content are not sufficiently verified or enforced, says the plastics resource efficiency and recycling charity.

If adopted, the voluntary mining standard is anticipated to include almost 100 mining companies across approximately 600 operations in around 60 countries.

The regulation and regulators at the UK Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) will be reviewed.

While Bryn Bach Coal reapplies for an extension to its existing coal mine, West Cumbria Mining misses the deadline to appeal the rejection of a new mine at Whitehaven.

IOM3 CEO Dr Colin Church welcomes the policy direction, and talks about the role IOM3 members can play in delivering the strategy.

The American university U-turns on funding from fossil fuel companies for environmentally beneficial research.

The report advises the UK government on how to improve economic security.

The barriers to commercialisation of bio-based, biodegradable and compostable materials (BB-materials) are investigated.

The first report from the new body, Skills England, highlights the importance of 'critical minerals related skills' and 'clean energy jobs'.

The US and India have signed a new memorandum of understanding (MOU) to expand and diversify critical minerals supply chains.

Amid a swathe of government bills and consultations, IOM3 members are honing their skills and experiences.

The fees, released by the UK Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra), reflect the most recent data submitted by large organisations in the industry.

A national hub launches in the UK for diversity in the engineering, physical and mathematical sciences (EPMS).

The UK will need the equivalent of six gigafactories by 2030, predicts the Faraday Institution.

The recommendations aim to ‘advance fairness and justice across critical energy transition mineral value chains’.

The British miner's Trelavour Hard Rock project near St Austell in Cornwall has been deemed as 'nationally significant'.

The Metal Packaging Manufacturers Association (MPMA) fears metal packaging costs will increase.

A High Court judge has ruled that mine plans are ‘legally flawed’.

The UK and Scottish Governments have responded to Petroineos’ decision to close Grangemouth oil refinery.

In an open letter to the UK Government, SUEZ Recycling and Recovery UK, outlines its recommendations to meet environmental targets.

The initiative calls for learning about the wider world to be higher profile across education.

The 2024 Annual General Meeting of the Institute of Materials, Minerals & Mining, held on 10 September, is now available to watch on-demand.

The UK Metals Council's annual report called on the government to introduce a dedicated political power to represent their interests in Whitehall.

A panel of experts considered some of the main hurdles facing the mining industry over the next decade at a recent IOM3 event.

The intention is to strengthen supply chains and promote trade and investment in critical mineral resource exploration, extraction, processing, refining, recycling and recovery.

The Plastic Packaging Tax (PPT) statistics cover receipts collected by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) in the financial year 2023-24.

The Zimbabwean government has renewed its ban on alluvial and riverbed mining to curb environmental degradation.

The aggregate is being trialled on a stretch of the M11 in Essex.

A letter from six mining and minerals organisations highlights the need to assess future skills requirements in the sector

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

The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs has published illustrative base fees for packaging Extended producer responsibility (pEPR).

The UK Office for the Internal Market (OIM) is launching the review.

A report from the National Engineering Policy Centre includes recommendations for delivering the required grid, generation and system flexibility under an accelerated timescale.

The Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL) provides US state and local governments with the legal tools to hold companies accountable for plastic pollution.

The Climate Change Committee reports that only a third of the emissions reductions required by 2030 are currently covered by credible plans.

King Charles confirmed a commitment to the clean energy transition and a raft of new bills.

The Royal Society is exploring the potential to replace fossil feedstocks in chemicals with alternative carbon sources.

A joint letter to the new UK Exchequer Secretary calls for an urgent response to the mass balance consultation for the Plastic Packaging Tax.

UK Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner accepts an ‘error in the law’ in the decision to permit a new coalmine in Cumbria, UK.

The new UK Science Minister embraces international science at the G7 Science and Technology Ministerial meeting in Italy with fresh agreements.

Climate expert Chris Stark will head a new ‘Mission Control’ team to build UK clean power by 2030.

The UK's Faraday Institution has published new guidance on developing a national lithium-ion battery recycling industry.

The new UK Government says it will remove the de facto ban on onshore wind in England.

Education and climate experts are calling for sustainability and climate education to be at the heart of the new UK Government's priorities.

The UK's Net Zero Technology Centre says dedicated energy hubs are the backbone to help scale Scotland’s hydrogen production and export potential.

The UK's Chartered Institution of Wastes Management (CIWM) has issued 10 ‘policy asks’ ahead of the upcoming General Election.

Ahead of the UK general election on 4 July, IOM3 has published a summary of the plans for materials, minerals and mining set out in the Conservative, Labour and Liberal Democrat manifestos.

More than 200mln containers have been returned by Irish consumers since a deposit return scheme launched in February, says operator Re-turn.

A report released by The Royal Academy of Engineering highlights the business benefits of EDI in engineering

Ahead of the UK’s general election, IOM3 sets out five priorities for the next government to secure a proper focus and strategic approach to materials, minerals and mining.

There are concerns that skill gaps in design, installation, maintenance and operation threaten progress

Make UK Makers’ Manifesto calls for real support for UK manufacturers.

The Environmental Policy Forum has shared environmental priorities that should be significant to the next government

The Philippines Government reports that businesses have met their target in the first year of implementing the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Act.

The National Engineering Policy Centre (NEPC), EngineeringUK and the Mineral Products Association have released their respective policy priorities ahead of the UK's upcoming General Election.

Five policy interventions to deliver UK net-zero have been outlined by University of Oxford researchers.

Annual review reveals small but worrying spike in women aged 35 to 44 leaving engineering.

Report from Robert Gordon University (RGU) says UK and Scottish political decisions, rather than energy market economics, will determine the size of the workforce and supply chain.

A review of the EU's Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA) finds a disproportionately high focus on raw materials to produce rare-earth magnets, as well as battery-grade lithium.

IOM3 members are invited to contribute views on skills policy, apprenticeships, and training for the future of the UK economy

The report marks progress in the development of a National Materials Innovation Strategy in the UK.

This follows 'overwhelming support' in the public consultation.

The UK Government is taking action to safeguard flows of vital goods, such as medicines and smartphone chips, with a new Critical Imports Council.

The UK Future Homes and Building Standard has been criticised in a joint letter by industry leaders.

IOM3 has published a policy paper setting out key actions required as the UK, and the rest of the world, transitions from energy dependency based on burning fossil fuels to low carbon energy sources.

IOM3 supported the Engineers 2030 initiative at the Royal Academy of Engineering (RAE) on 18 March.

HMRC & HMT have launched a consultation seeking views on the proposed UK carbon border adjustment mechanism.

The UK Government disagrees with the Foreign Affairs Committee's conclusion that successive governments have failed to recognise the importance of critical minerals to the UK economy.

Chancellor Jeremy Hunt has today (6 March) presented his plans for the economy to Parliament in the 2024 Spring Budget.

The UK government has published its response to the report of the Task and Finish Group on Critical Mineral Resilience for UK Industry.

IOM3 members are invited to contribute their views on a new qualification framework proposed for 16-19 year-olds

The UK Chancellor had promised £1bln a year to its carbon capture utilisation and storage (CCUS) programme.

IOM3 members are invited to contribute their views on reforms to the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Regulations.

The new report outlines the UK Government's approach for building resilience into critical supply chains.

The roadmap is intended to drive provision of a quarter of the UK’s electricity needs from nuclear energy by 2050.

The Task & Finish Group on Critical Mineral Resilience for UK Industry has submitted its report to the Minister of State for the Investment Security Unit, and Minister for Industry and Economic Security, Nusrat Ghani MP.

The UK’s critical minerals supply chains have been found to be vulnerable due to its continuing dependence on autocracies – in particular China – and the inaction of successive UK governments, according to a report from the Foreign Affairs Committee.

The UK battery strategy, released this week, sets out the government’s vision for the UK to achieve a globally competitive battery supply chain by 2030.

UK Chancellor Jeremy Hunt has today (22 November 2023) unveiled the government’s tax and spending plans.

The UK Government has announced £4.5bln in funding for British manufacturing to increase investment in eight sectors across the UK.

Six organisations (CMA(UK), IOM3, IQ, MAUK, MPA and MPQC) have signed an open letter to UK university leaders setting out the essential role of materials, minerals and mining in modern society.

King Charles set out his Government's priorities in the annual speech to parliament on 7 November.

The National Infrastructure Commission has published its second National Infrastructure Assessment (NIA2) recommendations to government.

David Hughes CEng MIMMM, IOM3 Polymer Group Chair welcomes the legislation and reinforces the importance of a circular economy for polymers already in existence.

The report explores the growing skills gaps within the critical minerals value chain and the serious risks this poses to the UK economy.

The Institute reinforces the findings from the Climate Change Committee that the scale up of action is worryingly slow.

Today (30 March) the UK government has set out proposals on how to enhance energy security, seize the economic opportunities of the transition, and deliver on net-zero commitments.

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has released its latest findings which cover scientific, technical, and socio-economic data on climate change.

The Chancellor Jeremy Hunt has outlined the Government’s plans to halve inflation, grow the economy and get debt falling.

The newly published Environmental Improvement Plan 2023 builds on the previously announced 25 Year Environment Plan and follows a period of consultation that IOM3 contributed to.

The Institute counters UK government's vision to introduce a Deposit Return Scheme for drinks containers following member input.

Former Energy Minister Chris Skidmore today (13 January 2023) published his Net Zero Review, setting out the ‘historic opportunity’ offered by net-zero.

Earlier this year IOM3 wrote to Professor David S Latchman CBE, the Vice-Chancellor of Birkbeck, University of London, to ask him to reconsider the stance to ‘not hold relationships of any kind with oil, gas or mining companies’ expressed in its new careers policy.

Chancellor Jeremy Hunt has today (17 November 2022) outlined the Government’s Autumn Statement setting out the government’s priorities to addresses the current cost of living and energy crisis.

The Chancellor of The Exchequer Jeremy Hunt has brought forward a number of measures from 31 October’s Medium-Term Fiscal Plan.

On Friday, Kwasi Kwarteng delivered a fiscal statement reaffirming the government’s plans for an energy bills support package and unveiling a new Growth Plan.

The Institute has commended the Government’s Guarantee for families and businesses while taking action to reform the energy market.

IOM3 has welcomed the UK’s new strategy that aims to improve the security of the supply of critical minerals.

IOM3 has commented on the UK’s first-ever centre to collect and analyse information on the supply of critical minerals to help build a more resilient economy.

IOM3 has commented on a new governance framework which seeks to improve laws relating to nature protection.

The UK government will follow five internationally recognised principles to recognise environmental impacts when making policy.

Prince Charles delivered the Monarch’s annual speech to parliament on 10 May by setting out the Government’s plan to focus on 'growing the economy'.

The four UK governments have published their response to the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for packaging consultation outlining the changes since the consultation and decisions taken forward. They have confirmed that EPR will be implemented in a phased manner from 2024, rather than 2023.

Chancellor Rishi Sunak has today (23 March 2022) outlined the Government’s Spring Statement for 2022 following the attack Russia launched on Ukraine and uncertainty surrounding the global economy, particularly the energy sector. 

IOM3 has submitted evidence to The Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS) on UK advanced materials to help inform Government on next steps to help drive the UK Innovation Strategy's 7 technology families.

In January 2022, the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS) sought views on the design of a new climate compatibility checkpoint for new oil and gas licensing.

On 28 February 2022, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) released the contribution to its Sixth Assessment Report (AR6) from Working Group II, entitled Impacts, Adaption and Vulnerability, produced by 270 scientists from 67 countries. The key message is that the world needs to act now to secure our future.

The Parliamentary Office of Science & Technology (POST) has published a briefing that examines the need for more mining and processing of non-renewable mineral resources and the positive and negative impacts of this on the environment and society.

The Levelling Up Secretary, Michael Gove, has today unveiled the government’s White Paper, setting out ‘a plan to transform the UK by spreading opportunity and prosperity to all parts of it.'

The new UK National Security & Investment (NSI) Act 2021 has come into force today (4 January 2022).

The Chair of the IOM3 Packaging Society, Jude Allan MIMMM, represented the Institute at The House of Commons Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (EFRA) Committee evidence session in its inquiry into plastic waste. The panel included IOM3 Fellow Kevin Vyse FIMMM.

The Chair of the IOM3 Packaging Society, Jude Allan MIMMM, will be representing the Institute at The House of Commons Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (EFRA) Committee evidence session in its inquiry into plastic waste.

The government's flagship proposals for the environment have received Royal Assent and are now enshrined in the Environment Act 2021.

In the run up to COP26 (the 2021 UN Climate Change Conference), The Henry Royce Institute (Royce) and IOM3 have launched a joint report which sets out how materials science and innovation will help the UK achieve net-zero. 

Chancellor Rishi Sunak has outlined the Government’s plans to deliver a ‘stronger economy’ for the British people.

The long-anticipated Heat and Buildings Strategy has been published (Tuesday 19 October 2021), which sets out the government’s plan to significantly cut carbon emissions from the UK’s 30 million homes and workplaces in a simple, low-cost and green way.

The UK Government has published its long-awaited Net Zero Strategy on Tuesday (19 October) setting out policies and proposals for decarbonising all sectors of the UK economy to meet the 2050 net zero target.

IOM3 has become a signatory for the Professional Bodies Climate Action Charter.

Professional bodies across science, engineering and technology including IOM3 have come together to share their expertise with government.

A new report calls on both government and the construction industry to set challenging but clear targets that will deliver the net zero transformation at pace and at scale.

With one month until the government is due to deliver the Budget, including its spending review for the next 3 years, 42 engineering organisations including IOM3 have outlined six urgent actions.

Government has today (17 August) announced plans to create tens of thousands of jobs, invest billions of pounds and create new export opportunities by introducing the UK’s first ever Hydrogen Strategy.

The UK Government has today (22 July) announced plans to boost private sector investment to put the UK at the forefront of global innovation.

The Interim Office for Environmental Protection (OEP) has provided advice on the Government’s draft environmental principles policy statement, produced by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra).

IOM3 has submitted written responses to the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for Packaging and Introducing a Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) in England, Wales and Northern Ireland consultations.

IOM3 has partnered with The Chartered Institution of Wastes Management (CWIM) to respond to the environmental principles consultation.

IOM3 is proud to support a research consortium examining how the foundation industries can grow and develop while helping achieve the net zero 2050 environmental targets.

Jude Allan, Chair of the Packaging Society, looks at what's been happening within IOM3 in the lead up to packaging responses due in June 2021.

The Monarch has set out the Government’s plan to 'deliver a national recovery from the pandemic that makes the UK stronger, healthier and more prosperous than before'

Defra has today (7 May 2021) published the consultation on ‘Consistency in Household and Business Recycling Collections in England.’

IOM3 members give an insight into why these consultations are so important for so many industries.

The UK Government is consulting on a 'landmark' Environment Bill that will impose a duty on Ministers to give due regard to environmental principles when making policy.

The Government has now published its response to the Environmental Audit Committee’s report on Electronic Waste and the Circular Economy.

Chancellor Rishi Sunak has outlined the Government’s plans to support people and businesses through the coming months, build the future UK economy and ‘fix’ the public finances in the wake of the pandemic. 

IOM3 has submitted a response to the National Security and Investment: mandatory notification sectors consultation.

The Oil and Gas Authority (OGA) has published its response to the consultation on proposals to revise the Maximising Economic Recovery Strategy for the UK (MER UK Strategy). IOM3 responded to the 12-week consultation, which was conducted between 6 May – 29 July 2020.

IOM3 has welcomed the Energy White Paper published by government today (14 December). Transforming the UK’s energy system will play a vital role in the decarbonisation of key sectors and the transition to a low carbon economy.

UK Chancellor Rishi Sunak has delivered the Spending Review today in which he announced the Government's spending priorities for 2021. Of main focus was the announcement of £55bln to help tackle COVID-19 next year as the country continues to battle the pandemic.

IOM3 has submitted a response to the Home Office Fire Safety Consultation welcoming the direction of travel and ambition to improve building and fire safety.

IOM3 has submitted evidence to the Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee’s inquiry to undertake pre-legislative scrutiny of the draft Building Safety Bill.

The consultation explores the challenges our waters face and the choices and changes needed to tackle them.

IOM3 and the Chartered Institution of Wastes Management (CIWM) have together submitted written representation on the HM Treasury Comprehensive Spending Review 2020 (CSR2020).

The Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining (IOM3) has submitted a written response to the UK HM Revenue & Customs Plastic Packaging Tax consultation.

IOM3 responds to the Resource and Waste Strategy and support the debate. IOM3 has a knowledge bank of independent consultants, academics and current and former practitioners in industry from packaging, polymer, and waste and sustainability backgrounds. It is this calibre of knowledge in the materials cycle that will provide Government with responses to implement the new strategy.